AN 85-year-old man has hit out at ‘evil and shameless’ thieves who stole a floral tribute to his late wife from a cemetery.

Violet Day’s funeral took place on Monday but just a day later an elaborate rose wreath, which featured violet flowers, was stolen.

A single rose from the £100 bouquet was found nearby along with the card, which contained a handwritten message from her ‘heartbroken husband’ Don.

Mr Day, a former RAF and Navy motor engineer, said he has been left distraught at the theft less than 24-hours after the crem-ation of his wife of 64 years.

The theft comes just weeks after Blackburn with Darwen Council stepped up security at the site. The cemetery gates are now lo-cked every night from 9pm.

Mr Day said: “The wreath was very important to me and I cannot understand what sort of a vile person would steal it.

“I just hope we can prick the conscience of whoever did this so they can be named and shamed for their terrible act. This was an evil, wicked and shame-less act and happened less than a day after her crem-ation.”

Mrs Day, a former shop-mistress, died on April 1 after a five-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She had also suffered heart trouble and underwent a triple heart bypass in the 1990s.

Yesterday Mr Day put in place wreaths from his dau-ghter Mavis and grandch-ildren Stephen and Karen.

Mr Day’s wreath was stolen from a compound next to the crematorium itself.

It had been due to be moved to the family’s grave plot where Mrs Day’s ashes are to be scattered.

Mr Day said: “I can’t even imagine who would do this but they haven’t got a heart.”

Peter Hunt, Blackburn with Darwen’s director of regeneration and environment, said: “Stealing from a cemetery is a despicable act.

"The fact that such incidents are so rare shows that very few people are prepared to stoop so low.

"We hope that the person responsible will return the wreath.”