Distraught relatives of a woman who died in July have appealed to a thief to return her ashes after they were stolen in a burglary [29 October 2012].

A ceramic pot containing the ashes of Claire Parrish was taken after an intruder broke into her sister’s home on Friday, October 26.

Miss Parrish, 37, died after she was stabbed and received other injuries at her home in Copshall Close, Harlow on Sunday July 15.

A man was subsequently charged with murder and is currently remanded in court custody pending to his trial.

The burglary happened at Gibb Croft, Harlow between 2pm and midnight while Ebony Parrish was out.

She returned home to find that the ashes, which were in an oval-shaped pot with lid and in a red and white floral pattern, had been taken from the top of her bedside cabinet that also included a memorial card and photographs of Miss Parrish.

Ebony Parrish, 29, said: “The whole family is sickened that someone should rob us of the last remains a loved one who died in such appalling circumstances.

“I was absolutely horrified when I saw that the pot was missing. It was a terrible shock when I realised that someone had broken in.

“Only two things were taken - a 38in television and the pot containing the ashes. Why, why, why did the thief have to take the pot. Surely he must have realised that it was something very special because there was a memorial card and photos of Claire beside it.

“She has been taken once from us and now she has been taken again.

“My Mum and Dad, my two sisters, my brother and me have suffered enough since the tragic death of Claire and we are making a heartfelt plea to the thief to return her ashes as soon as possible.”

If you have any information on this incident please call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.