A grieving mother has been left heartbroken after the ashes of her twin children who died at birth were stolen during a burglary in Richmond .

On Monday afternoon (December 11), a burglary took place at a house in Castlegate, Richmond, between the hours of 2pm and 5pm, Metropolitan Police said.

Along with items of jewellery, a small maroon box was taken which contained the ashes of two babies who passed away at birth.

The ashes were kept by the children's grieving mother in a box measuring 13cm by 8cm by 9cm.

Detective Constable Rajinder Chana, from Kingston and Richmond CID, said the loss of the twin's ashes has been a “heartbreaking ordeal” for the victim.

“She desperately wants her children's ashes returned,” he said.

“They are of no value to those who stole them, and we would ask that they are returned as soon as possible. "

This box containing the ashes of the victim's twin children was stolen from Richmond

DC Chana added: “Burglary is a particularly invasive crime but this offence has been made worse by what was taken.”

The suspects are thought to have forced entry into the Castlegate property via a side gate and rear patio door.

The burglary took place in Castlegate, Richmond

Metropolitan Police detectives are appealing for anyone with information about this burglary to come forward to help with their enquiries.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Kingston and Richmond CID via 101 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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