Harlow: Ashes Of Stab Victim Stolen
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.
Claire Parrish, 37, died after she was stabbed and received other injuries at her home in Copshall Close, Harlow on Sunday July 15.
On Friday, October 26 an oval-shaped red and white floral pattern ceramic pot with lid, containing Miss Parish's ashes was taken after an intruder broke into her sister’s home at Gibb Croft, Harlow.
Ebony Parish returned home to also find a memorial card and photographs of Miss Parrish had been taken from the top of her bedside cabinet.
29-year-old Ebony Parrish, 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 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.”
A man has been charged with murder of Claire Parish and is currently remanded in custody pending a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court in February.
Anyone with information about the burglary or the whereabouts of the pot and ashes should contact DS Patrick Mullan at Harlow CID or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.