Paul Nash, who has lived in Verwood for the past 25 years, is appealing for the return of his mum’s ashes after they were stolen from his vehicle.

Paul’s car was parked at The Queen’s Head in Burley on Wednesday evening when it was broken into and a black suitcase and a large black holdall taken.

One of them contained a purple container around six inches by five inches by about 12 inches tall, with the ashes inside.

Posting on Facebook, Paul appealed for those who broke into the car to return his mum, Maria-Virginia, who died at the age of 92.

He said: “To those who broke into our car in the car park of The Queen’s Head in Burley on Wednesday evening and stole two suitcases… my Mum’s ashes were in there and my heart is broken.

“I searched all round the car park to see if you’d thrown anything away – I found nothing and we had to continue our journey onto Scotland.

“All I want is for her back… from my heart can I ask you please to return them. You could text me on 07894 491070 and withhold your number telling me where you’ve left them – and any of our other valued possessions, many of which mean much to us but are worthless to you.

“But please… my mum’s ashes 🙁 “