Baby's ashes stolen in Belfast robbery
A west Belfast mother has made an emotional plea after her daughter's ashes were stolen during a burglary last night.
Last updated 13th Dec 2017
It is any parents worst nightmare to lose a child, but Claire Smallwood's grief has been compounded with this latest development.
Appealing for help on Facebook she's said she's devastated after her daughter Holly's ashes were taken from her house on the Ballygomartin Road some time between 6.30pm and 9.15pm on Tuesday.
The distraught mum says police believe whoever is responsible may have thought they were stealing drugs, as the ashes were in a small knotted plastic bag inside a wooden box.
Claire says she and her fiance don't care who's behind the sick act, they simply want their last link to Holly back.
Inspector Paul Noble said: “During the burglary, which we believe occurred between 6:15pm and 9:30pm yesterday evening, a small clear bag from a wooden box which contained the ashes of the victim’s deceased baby daughter was taken.
“Understandably, this has left the victim extremely distressed, therefore, we are appealing to whoever entered the property last night to please do the right thing and return the bag to police.
"We are also appealing to anyone who was in the Ballygomartin Road area last night between 6:15pm and 9:30pm and noticed any suspicious activity, or anyone who knows anything about this burglary, to contact police at Tennent Street on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 1338 of 12/12/17.
"Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.