THE family of a Worcester schoolboy have been left "devastated" after an angel figurine has been stolen from his grave.

The angel sat at the end of the grave in a pose which showed it blowing a kiss- it was chosen as it suggested the angel was blowing a kiss to Scott Rice, who tragically died ten years ago aged 14.

It was taken from Astwood Cemetery in Worcester and Scott's mother, Carrie Rice, says the theft has left her family angry and devastated.

Mrs Rice, of Wren Avenue, Malvern, said: "We bought the angel as it looks like it's blowing a kiss, and we like to think he's blowing a kiss to Scott up in heaven.

"There are no words to describe the sort of people who would do this. I have not seen another angel like this so I doubt I will be able to get it replaced.

"I was absolutely devastated when I found his grave had been messed with when I visited. I was so upset, but now I'm mostly angry about it.

"It takes a certain type of person to steal from somebody's grave, it's sick."

The Riverside Special School pupil died in tragic circumstances, after his sister found him hanging from his bunk bed.

He was copying a stunt he had seen on a television programme, and had planned to scare his family in a practical joke before the tragedy struck.

His father, Robin Rice, tried to resuscitate him but he was pronounced dead an hour after he was found at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

Scott lived in Worcester until he was ten, when the family moved to Malvern.

Mrs Rice says they are now hoping the angel is returned to Scott's grave, who had a fondness for football team Manchester United.

She said: "It's a horrible feeling to think that my son's grave is no longer safe.

"His father and his four brothers and sisters are also totally devastated by it.

"Scott was very popular and had a lot of friends in Worcester, so we're hoping with all the appeals it might return. "He's very sadly missed by everyone.

"I don't care who took it, I just want it back with my son."

The angel, which stands at around 35 centimetres, was taken between Tuesday and Sunday last week.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting incident number 333s 251015.