A GREAT Harwood mum’s online plea for the return of precious photos of her daughter has gone viral on social media.

Charlotte Jowett posted on Facebook after her bag was stolen from the canteen at Manchester Children’s Hospital, where her daughter Olivia Lund was recovering from a serious illness.

Her emotional words have been shared more than 100,000 times as social network users spread the word.

She said: “To the person that has stolen my bag from the hospital: If you see this, please can you hand my bag to security?

“You can keep my watch, the money, etc, I just want the bag back, and the pictures of my critically poorly daughter.”

Little Olivia was kept in hospital after suffering from an intestinal problem following her birth in May, Charlotte said.

She has since undergone an operation and has put on weight.

Users shared the Facebook post, describing the theft as ‘despicable’ and ‘disgusting’.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police confirmed officers were investigating, and said CCTV images from the hospital could hold vital clues.

He said: “We are investigating a case of a woman’s phone being stolen from Manchester Children’s Hospital. She left her bag in the canteen and when she returned it was gone.

“We are currently awaiting CCTV images from the hospital for further investigation.”

A Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust spokesman said: “We regret any distress caused and are sorry to hear of this incident.

“We encourage patients and visitors to keep their property safe and attended at all times. If property is stolen, we ask that a member of staff is told as soon as possible so they can then report it appropriately.

“We would urge the person who may have possession of these highly sentimental photos to return them .”