A GRIEF-STRICKEN couple have been left devastated by thieves who stole two flower baskets hung in memory of their two-year-old daughter.

Katie Grant died at her Darlington home last month after a ten-month battle against cancer.

Her parents, Justine and Andy, had put two baskets full of pink petunias outside their front door in Bellburn Lane, in memory of her. But on Sunday morning they awoke to find the baskets gone.

Mrs Grant, 31, followed a trail of petals to a nearby pond, where she believes the baskets were thrown in.

She said: "We got the baskets the week after Katie died because they were pink, her favourite colour.

"When we woke up and they weren't there, we were so upset. We were both crying because of what they meant to us. Obviously the thieves weren't to know but that's not the point. It's just vandalism."

A Durham Police spokesman said: "It's quite obvious the distress this has caused to Katie's family. There is no chance of the flowers or baskets being returned, but we are hoping that someone with a conscience will own up or anyone who knows about it will contact us."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on (01325) 467681.