A MOTHER has spoken of the “heart wrenching” feeling after thieves stole sentimental ornaments from her son’s grave for a second time.

Brandon Coleman, from Eston near Middlesbrough, died in 2004 just a few weeks short of his fourth birthday following a brave battle with cancer.

Already having to deal with the tragedy of losing her son, Angela McElvaney, Brandon’s mother, then discovered that sentimental Disney ornaments had been stolen from his grave just four weeks after he had tragically passed away.

Now, just weeks after the family decorated his grave to mark what would have been Brandon’s 17th birthday, they have learnt the heart-breaking news that ornaments have been stolen once more.

Eight Disney ornaments, including Peter Pan and Mickey Mouse figures, were stolen from the grave in Eston Cemetery in Middlesbrough earlier this week.

Speaking to The Northern Echo, Ms McElvaney said the actions of the vandals were “horrendous”.

“I couldn’t sleep after I found out what had happened – it was heart wrenching," she said.

“It is the only place we can go to remember him – these people are showing such a lack of respect," she added.

Brandon fell in love with the characters after going on a family trip to Disneyland in Paris, which his family organised before his cancer made him too ill to travel.

Ms McElvaney now regularly decorates Brandon's grave on special occasions throughout the year, including Christmas, Easter, Halloween and his birthday to keep his memory well and truly alive.

“You never get over it, but people always say how nice his garden looks and how beautiful the lights are at Christmas," she said.

“I just say to the people who did this to please give them back – it is not about the money, it is about the special memories," she added.

A spokesperson for Cleveland Police said: "We are appealing for information after sentimental ornaments were stolen from a child’s grave in Eston.

"The incident happened at Eston Cemetery sometime between 2pm on Monday, August 28 and 2pm on Tuesday, August 29.

"Anyone with information regarding the theft is asked to contact PC Jonathon Collins from Cleveland Police on the non-emergency number 101.

"Alternatively, they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org."