A family has been left devastated after a box containing a loved one's ashes has been stolen from a property during a burglary. 

The small light wooden box sealed with glue that contained the ashes was one of several items taken during a burglary on Lowthian Road in Hartlepool.

The burglary took place sometime between Monday, June 19 and Wednesday, June 28, according to Cleveland Police.

Read more: Man arrested after tying up woman in 70s in Norton burglary

A spokesperson for the police force said: "The box contained the ashes of a family member of the victim, which are obviously of high sentimental value.

"Anyone who may have information regarding the whereabouts of the ashes or the burglary, please contact Hartlepool CID on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 126884.

"Independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111."

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