Diane Knight, 36, was killed in a car crash as she drove through Hebburn in 1997, while her young son was saved from the wreckage.

Over the last three weeks, bunches of flowers from her grave at Harton Cemetery in South Shields have been stolen on two separate occasions.

Her mum, Helga, 75, from South Shields, said: "We've had two bunches of flowers stolen from the grave in just three weeks. We've had things stolen before, but it's really getting worse now.

"It's totally heartless what they've done, and the cost of the flowers mounts up every time as well.

"This is supposed to be a quiet place where people can come to pay their respects to loved ones, yet they've got to worry about thieves and vandals. It's just not on.

"We bring flowers to the grave as often as we can, but it's so disheartening when they're taken."

Mrs Knight's partner, Gordon Donnison, 73, said: "What kind of person steals from a grave? In my opinion they're the lowest of the low."

A senior councillor has slammed the thefts as "despicable" and joined the police in calling for witnesses to come forward.

Neighbourhood Inspector for East Shields, Peter Sutton, said: "This type of crime shows a lack of respect and is particularly distressing for the family and friends of people who have been laid to rest in the cemetery.

"We would urge anyone who has become victim of such a crime to report it to police so that the matter can be thoroughly investigated."

Coun Michael Clare, lead member for environment, housing and transport at South Tyneside Council, urged anyone with information to contact the police.

He said: "I sympathise with this lady and her family and hope that if anyone knows who is responsible, they will report them to the police.

"Theft from graves is despicable. It is extremely disrespectful and distressing for bereaved loved ones.

"The council's bereavement services work closely with the community wardens and Northumbria Police to stamp out all forms of anti-social behaviour in our cemeteries.

"Unfortunately we cannot patrol all of them at all times and Harton Cemetery alone covers an area of 21 acres.

"We ask that if members of the public spot any instances of anti-social behaviour, they report it immediately to the council's contact centre on 427 7000."