A heartbroken mum has hit out at burglars who stole a collection of children’s books treasured by her daughter who died 22 years ago.

Annette Birch bought a 24-book set of Gruffalo children’s stories for Naomi, who suffered from a crippling muscle disease and passed away when she was just 13.

Having read and enjoyed the tales with her daughter as she fought her illness, Mrs Birch kept them carefully stored away in a spare room of her home in Smetham Gardens in Strood.

But last week, the 61-year-old grandmother was shocked to discover the four sets of six hardback books had vanished.

A further search revealed a trinket box full of sentimental nick-nacks and some old African carvings had also gone missing.

Mrs Birch said: “I’m sure whoever did this did not realise the significance of this.

"Why did they have to take Naomi's books which are of huge sentimental value?" - Annette Birch

“But I hope they read this, look at Naomi’s picture and feel thoroughly ashamed.

“It’s not the value of them that matters to me. What baffles me is that I had far more expensive things in the house that they could have taken.

“They did take some silver jewellery, but why did they have to take Naomi’s books which are of huge sentimental value?

“I know if Naomi was here today she would be saying exactly same as me – ‘why?’”

As soon as she noticed the items had gone Mrs Birch rang her son Adam, 39, who told her to contact the police.

Mrs Birch said: “There is no sign of a break-in and I am very security conscious so it’s all a bit of a mystery all round.”

Mrs Birch, who helps out a friend’s grocery shop in Strood, said: “All I ask is for them to be returned. They meant so much to Naomi.”

A police spokesman said: “We are investigating a reported burglary at a property in Smetham Gardens, Strood, on Wednesday 31 August 2016. It was reported that a collection of children’s books were stolen from inside.

“Anyone with information can call 101 quoting reference XY/35647/16.”