Merseyside Police appeal for information after a family member's ashes were stolen during a burglary in Liverpool over Christmas.

Merseyside Police are appealing for information following a burglary of a house in Hollow Drive, Thornton between 4pm on December 22 and noon on December 28.

Two Fossil watches (one pink gold with a blue flowered face and one blue and gold), a Samsung TV and a family member’s ashes in dark green and black box were stolen while the occupant was away over Christmas.

Police officers attended the scene and an investigation is ongoing with extensive enquiries taking place.

Detective Inspector Edward Barr said: “This was a very distressing experience for the victim whose main concern are the ashes that were taken.

“To them the value of such a sentimental item is immeasurable therefore I would urge anyone who was on Hollow Drive between 22 December to 28 December and saw anything suspicious to please contact us.

“We would also ask any residents in the area to check their dashcam, CCTV or doorbell footage to see if they may have captured something which may be vital to the investigation.

“I’m also appealing to anyone who knows the whereabouts of the stolen TV or watches to please contact us or may have seen them advertised for sale to let us know.

“We have a dedicated portal where people can send CCTV, smart doorbell or dashcam footage of suspicious activity in your area but don’t know if it is linked to a specific offence. It can be uploaded here: https://unitedkingdom1cpp-portal.digital-policing.co.uk/merseyside/appeal/castle

“I urge residents to take a look at the link below which provides advice at the different ways you can make your homes unattractive targets for would-be criminals.

“Advice is available on our website for locks, cameras and other measures to bring greater security and peace of mind.”

For advice and protection against burglary go to Merseyside Police | Crime prevention | Protecting your home from crime. Anyone with information is asked to call 101, DM Merseyside Police Contact Centre or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 25001056015.

You can also report any concerns to police on 999 if a crime is in progress, via 101, or via Twitter @MerPolCC.

You can also pass information via the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111.