Heartless thieves left disabled Norman Kerner devastated when they stole ornaments from a garden dedicated to his late wife.

Mr Kerner, 48, was shocked to find half the front-garden ornaments missing from his home in Chaingate Avenue, Southend. They formed part of a memorial for his wife Rose, who died of cancer last January aged 53.

Theft victim - Norman Kerner in the garden he dedicated to his wife Picture: LUAN MARSHALL

Many were family gifts, including a 2ft statue of a farmer, an angel holding a bird bath, two concrete dogs and numerous moles. They were worth a total of around £200.

Mr Kerner said: "Rose loved the garden. I shingled it all over and made one half a rose garden, which were her favourite flowers, and decorated the rest with the ornaments. They had such sentimental value."

Anyone with information should call Southend Police on 01702 321144.

Published Wednesday, April 9, 2003

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