A GRIEVING mother was dealt a third blow yesterday when thieves stole precious tributes to her young son who died in a road accident.

Tina McCann's little boy Mitchell died after he was hit by a car as he crossed Queen's Drive on his bike on Friday.

The accident happened just five days after her brother Michael was critically injured in a fatal crash in Pinehurst Road.

Now heartless thieves have added to her heartbreak when they stole her handbag containing pictures of 10-year-old Mitchell, along with her mobile phone, on which messages of condolence had been saved.

She was spending a few quiet minutes beside her own mother's grave reflecting on the tragic events of the last week when they struck.

Her sister Olivia put out an urgent appeal to whoever carried out the despicable act to return the bag.

"Her whole life was in that bag. We don't care about the money, we don't even care about the phone. We just want the SIM card back. Please don't just dump it in a bin."

She explained that text messages of concern for Michael and condolence over Mitchell had all been saved and meant everything to her.

The family had planned to put together a book of messages for Michael when he recovered.

Tina, 35, of Park South, is struggling to cope with the loss of Mitchell and the theft has made things even worse.

"She is in a terrible way, said Olivia. "She has reported it to the police but she is finding it difficult to put the words together."

The khaki green bag with a red tick logo and black buttons was taken from a red Rover car parked at the Whitworth Road cemetery some time around 3pm yesterday. As well as the mobile, it is thought to have contained Tina's passport, an array of documents and pictures of Mitchell.

Family members had been taking it in turn to keep vigil by Michael's bedside in intensive care at the Great Western Hospital after the Sunday night crash, which killed his young friend Matthew Styles, 19. His condition was yesterday said to be stable.

Football-mad Mitchell was born with Down's Syndrome but overcame the condition to live life to the full, playing an important role in the Swindon Badgers under 10s side. He died at around 8pm on Friday as he crossed Queen's Drive after playing pitch-and-putt at Coate Water.

Police have appealed for witnesses to the accident to contact them on 01793 528111.

Anyone who finds the bag or contents is also urged to contact Swindon police straightaway.

Gary Huckin, of Naunton Road, Walcot, was yesterday remanded in custody by Swindon Crown Court, charged with causing death by dangerous driving, failing to report an accident and leaving the scene. The case was adjourned for a preliminary hearing on August 6.

Tina Clarke