A Scots mum has been left devastated after heartless vandals defaced a plaque dedicated to her tragic baby daughter. Vile yobs spray painted over a memorial to little Amelia Grey in Newbattle Cemetery, Dalkeith, sometime between March 1 and 14.
The tot, from the Midlothian town, was just seven-months-old when she died having suddenly taken ill in June last year. Pictures of the plaque, installed where Amelia is buried, show dark spray paint covering her name.
Police have launched a probe into the callous act, which they are treating as 'targeted'. Distraught mum Jenna, 28, says she's since struggled to comprehend why someone would desecrate the only thing she has left of her beloved Amelia.
Speaking to the Record, Jenna, who is also mum to Riley, 10, and Taylor, 5, said: "It's an important place - it's all I have left of her. It's hard to understand why someone would do such a thing.
"I feel as if she hasn't been left alone to rest. It's been so distressing for me and my two boys - it's made me ill.
"She's innocent and someone has purposely targeted it. I'll not rest until the culprit has been caught."
Little Amelia, who was born with a heart condition, was rushed to the Royal Hospital for Children & Young People in Edinburgh after becoming falling ill on June 19 2022. She was very lethargic and unsettled while refusing food and milk.
At first Jenna thought it was either a cold or a viral infection, but Amelia became unresponsive after arriving at the hospital. She was placed on oxygen in critical care, but she tragically passed away later that same day.
A post-mortem was unable to establish her cause of death, but the baby's body was released to the family so they could lay her to rest. Jenna is still awaiting the results of further testing to determine how she died.
Paying tribute to Amelia, she added: "She had the most beautiful smile and was such a cutie. Taking my daughter into hospital to be treated and coming out without her just broke me.
"She had a heart condition, but I've been told for now that this was not the cause of her death. Her organs were slowly failing.
"I was distraught. Most of it is a blur and I felt as if I was on autopilot for many weeks after. I also have a heart condition and it all made me become poorly.
"I couldn't get out of bed - I was weak and had no energy. It's still so raw for me and her two big brothers."
Police are appealing to anyone who may have information that could assist them track down the mindless vandals to get in touch.
Police Constable John Fortune from Dalkeith Police Station said: “This mindless and concerning damage has caused great distress to the family. I am appealing to anyone who visits the cemetery or who may have seen anything suspicious to contact Police”.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1754 of 14 March 2023, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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