Grieving parents upset after rocks stolen from their five-year-old's grave

The three distinctive large rocks were taken from Shay Turner’s grave in Greasbrough Lane Cemetery.

Grandmother Yvonne, of Rawmarsh, said the theft was heart-breaking because the stones had special messages painted on them.

Shay fell ill on Good Friday and died four days later at Sheffield Children’s Hospital. The cause of his death is still being investigated.

He was a huge fan of the Rotherham Rocks craze - which combines art and treasure hunting - and rocks around his grave had been decorated with TV characters he loved.

Yvonne said: “Three rocks were taken, a large Paw Patrol one, one with Chase from Paw Patrol on it and one painted as an Xbox controller.

“All have Shay’s name on and messages to Shay. They were made specifically for his resting place and have sentimental meaning to us.”

The grandmother said she believed the rocks were stolen last Thursday evening.

“We are aware that the cemetery is accessible after closing hours, which is becoming a concern and we intend to contact the council about this matter,” she added. 

If anyone has information, contact Rotherham North Neighbourhood Policing Team on Twitter or Facebook via @RothNorthNHP.