The statue of an angel left in memory of a 12-year-old boy who died in a car crash in Gravesend has been stolen from his grave by "despicable" thieves.

Zack Burton, 12, died in December 1999 when he was hit by a car while cycling across Wrotham Road on his way to a youth club.

His mother said the theft from the grave at Gravesend Cemetery has brought her ordeal back to her.

The woman, who does not wish to be named, said: "I purchased the angel a few months after he died so it's been up there for a good 13 years nearly now.

"It's really not about the money, it's not worth anything, but it has huge sentimental value.

"I cannot understand who would have gone to a grave and stolen it. It wasn't more than £30 when I bought it.

"We replaced it on Tuesday with another, but it's not the same as I couldn't find the same one again. If the person who stole it has a conscience, then put it back.

"I don't think it's very likely, though."

Zack, who lived in Newton Abbot Road, Northfleet, died after being hit by a silver Mercedes a few minutes after leaving home.

He was riding to Miracles Youth Club on the Kings Farm Estate on his brother's bike.

Zack died on the way to hospital from serious head injuries.

The theft took place sometime after June 14 and police are asking anybody with information to come forward.

PC Andrew Rockall said: "This is a despicable crime that has left a bereaved mother in a state of shock.

"As if losing a child in such a terrible way isn't horrific enough, now she must cope with the thought that someone has stolen an item that means a great deal to her that she bought in tribute to Zack.

"I am asking anybody who has heard anything about this crime or seen someone acting suspiciously in this cemetery to come forward to us in the hope we can reunite her with her son's angel."

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The theft comes just days after up to 30 graves - including those of children - were desecrated at Chatham cemetery.

Anyone with information is asked to phone PC Rockall on 01474 366010, quoting reference XY/019782/13, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.