Claire Parrish's ashes stolen in Harlow burglary

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-20115446

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The ashes of a mother of four who was stabbed and beaten at her Essex home have been stolen during a burglary at her sister's house.

Claire Parrish, 37, was killed in Copshall Close, Harlow, on 16 July.

A ceramic pot containing her ashes was taken from her sister's home at Gibb Close, Harlow, on Friday.

Ebony Parrish, 29, said: "The family is sickened that someone could rob us of the last remains of a loved one who died in such appalling circumstances."

The pot, which had a red and white floral pattern on it, was taken along with a television some time after 14:00 BST on Friday.

'Despicable crime'

Ms Parrish said: "Why did the thief have to take the pot?

"Surely he must have realised that it was something very special because there was a memorial card and photos of Claire beside it.

"She has been taken once from us and now she has been taken again."

Det Ch Insp Stuart Hooper, of Essex Police, said: "This is a despicable crime and we are working closely with the family and doing everything we can to get the ashes back as quickly as possible.

"If anyone has any information about the burglary, or any attempts to sell the pot in suspicious circumstances, they should contact the investigation team immediately."

A post-mortem examination revealed the cause of Ms Parrish's death was blunt force trauma which caused internal bleeding.

Mark Golds, 45, also of Copshall Close, has pleaded not guilty to her murder and is due to stand trial in February.