A daughter has spoken of her anguish after thieves stole a bronze sculpture of her mother as she laid flowers at her graveside in a Bradford cemetery.

Marilyn Devine and her 78-year-old father had driven to the city's Undercliffe Cemetery on Saturday afternoon from London to pay their respects.

When they returned to their car one of the windows had been smashed by a lump of stone and two bags containing the sculpture and other personal possessions had been stolen.

Mrs Devine said: "My mother was proud of the fact she was born and raised in Bradford.

"But is it now such a place that we cannot even pay our respects to the dead in peace and safety?"

The sculpture is the size of a head, made of stone and coated in bronze.

Mrs Devine explained: "When my mum died last year I decided to make the sculpture myself as something to remember her by.

"It has no monetary value, but it does have enormous sentimental value. Whoever has taken it probably doesn't realise its significance and I would appeal for them to return it."

A night bag containing medication, an Edwardian Lady address book and USS New Jersey baseball cap from America were also stolen. Mrs Devine said: "My father was very distressed. I am surprised he didn't have an angina attack. All his medication was taken. And he is upset about the address book because it contains dozens of contact numbers for all his old friends."

Sergeant Chris Plowman, of Bradford Central Police, said: "Any crime is distressing for the victim, but it is particularly terrible that people should be targeted while visiting a cemetery.''

If you have any information, ring the police on (01274) 376459 or 0845 6060606.

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