LOW-LIFE thieves broke into three cars as their owners attended the funeral of a 21-month-old boy.

All the vehicles were in the rear car park belonging to St Michael and All Angels Church in Verwood when thieves gained access into each car by smashing the window.

Louise Voysey, 28, of Parkstone, was among a large number of mourners who attended the service of little Joshua Kirby on Friday at 2.30pm.

Joshua, the only son of Natalie, 31, and Anthony, 35, of Verwood, died from a unique chromosome disorder, which meant he was severely disabled and could not sit up or walk.

Miss Voysey, who runs her own hairdressing company called Hair Line, was paying her last respects when thieves broke into her new Beetle and stole her handbag.

She said: "I think they watched me get out of my car. I was just walking up the passageway of the church when I heard my car alarm go off. I went back and switched the alarm off and went back into the church."

Mrs Kirby's cousin Richard Longstaffe, from Wool, was also targeted and came out of the service to discover his Suzuki Vitara Jeep had been broken into.

A leather jacket and mobile phone that were on view in the car had not been taken and it is believed the thieves were disturbed. A third car was also broken into although the owner is not known.

Mrs Kirby said: "I can't believe that these people would prey on victims who were attending a baby's funeral.

"Some kids were running around outside the church at the time of the funeral and I would definitely recognise them again. They were aged between 15 and 16 and both girls and boys."

The Reverend Andrew Sinclair said: "We have had a problem with vandalism and we have had a number of attacks on the church. We have not had any cars broken into before this particular occasion but the circumstances are absolutely horrific."

DCI Steve Burfitt, of Ferndown Police, said: "We always ask people not to leave anything in the car at all. It is not a good idea to take things out of the car and put them in the boot or push items under the car seats because there is always the chance of someone watching."

Any witnesses or anyone with information are asked to call Dorset Police on 01202 552099.