THIEVES have shattered a grief-stricken family by stealing ornaments off Elizabeth Cooper's grave just one month before two brothers accused of her murder stand trial.

Sister Teresa Cooper, 28, said her family were going through hell in the build up to next month's trial.

But their "unbearable grief" was intensified when she spotted an angel placed on her sister's grave had been stolen.

Miss Cooper has visited Elizabeth's grave at The Down Cemetery, Trowbridge every day since the 23-year-old was buried in June. She said the theft had struck at the heart of her family.

Trowbridge brothers Jason York and Timothy Seviour, aged 22 and 21, will appear in court next month accused of stabbing the mother-of-two and attempting to kill 34-year-old Kevin York at his house in Longfield Road last April.

Miss Cooper, of Woolpack Meadows, Trowbridge, said: "I was absolutely gutted and very, very angry. People know it's the trial next month and must know we are going through hell.

"It is nearly the anniversary of Lizzie's death which will bring back heartbreaking memories. I cannot believe someone would be so cold as to steal from her grave.

"I put that angel there as a sign of my love for Lizzie. It isn't worth anything but it is very precious to me.

"On Tuesday I was cleaning the grave like I do every day and I just felt something was missing, then I saw the angel had gone.

"The timing could not be worse. My mother Pearl is so upset and absolutely fuming.

"This year has been so hard for us and we have been trying to support each other. I used to see my sister and her two children every day."

Elizabeth's two daughters, aged 10 and seven, are now living with their father Stuart Hartley and his girlfriend Liz in Melksham.

Mother Pearl, who lives opposite the house where her daughter died from multiple stab wounds, will attend the murder trial at Bristol Crown Court next month.

Miss Cooper, who has two sons Carl, nine, and Tristan, seven, said she hoped the thieves would return the angel once they knew how its theft had affected the family.

"I have bought another but it isn't the same. The original is what we want back.

"I am pleading with anyone who knows anything to go to the police."

DS Dave Martin, of Trowbridge CID, said he was disgusted at the crime.

He said: "It is despicable. Utterly reprehensible.

"Hopefully someone will either return it to the grave or hand it in to the police."