‘DESPICABLE’ thieves have stolen a statue in the shape of an angel from the grave of a 12-year-old boy in Gravesend.

Zack Burton died in 1999 when he was hit by a car whilst walking along Wrotham Road in Meopham on his way to a youth club.

He is buried at Gravesend Cemetery in Newton Abbot Road and his mother last saw the statue on the grave when she visited on June 14.

However, when she visited at 1.30pm on June 26, she discovered the statue was missing.

It is therefore believed the theft took place in the 12 day period between June 14 and 26.

Investigating officer, PC Andrew Rockall, said: 'This is a despicable crime that has left a bereaved mother in a state of shock.

'As if losing a child in such a terrible way isn't horrific enough, now she must cope with the thought that someone has stolen an item that means a great deal to her that she bought in tribute to Zack.

'I am asking anybody who has heard anything about this crime or seen someone acting suspiciously in this cemetery to come forward to us in the hope we can reunite her with her son's angel.'

Anybody with information should call PC Rockall on 01474 366010, quoting crime reference XY/019782/13, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.