AN emotional son has made an impassioned plea for the return of his mother’s ashes after they were stolen from a car parked in a New Forest village.

The theft occurred in The Queen’s Head car park, in Burley, some time between 7pm and 8.15pm on Wednesday evening (December 6).

Two suitcases were stolen, which contained clothes, shoes, perfume and some jewellery – as well as the ashes of Paul Nash’s mother.

“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,” he said after taking to social media to appeal for the return of the ashes.

“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.”

He urged the thieves to contact him regarding the ashes, which “mean much to us but are worthless to you”.

Hampshire Police said they were investigating the incident.

“We received a report that a car was broken into while parked in the car park of The Queen’s Head Hotel in Burley between 7pm and 8.15pm on December 6,” a spokesperson said.

“Two suitcases were stolen, containing clothes, shoes, a bottle of perfume and some jewellery.

“It was reported that an item containing a loved one’s ashes was also stolen from the car.”

Anyone with information regarding the incident should contact police on 101, quoting reference 44230498965. They can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.