THE grave of an 11-month-old boy has been desecrated by thieves just days after his death.

Police are appealing for witnesses after the grave at St Mary Extra Cemetery in Portsmouth Road, Southampton, was raided.

Two solar lamps were taken and damage was caused to small teddy bears and other items left in memory of the boy, who died of a rare terminal disease in July.

His family are upset and distressed and his mother said: “He was a very loved and well known little boy by people all over Southampton and other places. I can't understand why somebody would do this to his grave as they can quite clearly see it is a baby’s grave. I am upset to think that anybody could do this.

“Whoever is responsible has done this for no reason, as there is no money to be made from these solar lights. All they have done is upset me and my family and ruined a baby’s grave, it's disgusting."

The incident occurred between noon on Monday, July 28 and 5.30pm on Wednesday, July 30.

Anyone with information should contact PC Mark Hawley at Bitterne Police Station on 101 quoting 44140273776, via hampshire.police.uk/internet/do-it-online/online-forms/message-for-officer.html or by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.