THE families of Kirsty and Jake slammed the thefts from the graves of their young children as sickening.

Both Kirsty, who was just two when she died in a tragic accident while on a family holiday in Greece in October, and Jake, who died aged 18 months at Alder Hey Children's Hospital, in July, were laid to rest at Pleasington Cemetery.

On both occasions the graves were vandalised.

The heartbreak suffered by both families was intense and called for action.

The Cruse Bereavement Service, which has trained counsellors in East Lancashire and nation-wide said such incidents could harm the delicate healing process, while East Lancashire MPs promised to investigate.

Unfortunately for families who have lost loved ones -- especially children -- these incidents are not isolated.

The Lancashire Evening Telegraph has highlighted many similar thefts at graves of youngsters, not just at Pleasington, but in Darwen and Burnley.

Jake's mum, 24-year-old Keira, of Leicester Road, said: "I don't know how anybody could have done anything like this, especially to a child.

"I think it's disgusting. I put some more presents on at Christmas, I just hope they are still there." As well as the items going missing, a wooden headstone, erected as a temporary memorial until a permanent headstone is fitted, was pushed over.

Kirsty's mum, Linda Wright, of Pilmuir Road, said she suffered at the hands of heartless thugs.

Linda has made the pilgrimage to her daughter's grave-side every day since she died in October, often leaving gifts.

Linda, who has two sons, Matthew nine, and William, thirteen, said: "I left her some bubble bath in the shape of Bella, her favourite Tweenie doll, and when I went up the next day somebody had ripped it apart.

"It is disgraceful and so upsetting. I can't believe someone would do things like this to a child's grave. I won't let these thieves stop me from getting gifts for Kirsty."

Despite assurances from Blackburn with Darwen Council that enough is being done, MPs have called for action.

Rossendale and Darwen MP Janet Anderson said: "We have had a spate of these thefts in Darwen and I know just how much distress it causes to the families concerned."

Blackburn MP Jack Straw added: "I shall be looking into it."

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