Sick burglars tossed a box containing a husband’s ashes out of a car window following the ransacking of a house.
Police have slammed the evil act after releasing footage of the incident.
The crooks smashed glass in a back door to enter the home before trashing every room.
They stole cash, costume jewellery and a casket containing the last remains of the 71-year-old.
The suspects then fled the scene in a car – possibly a white Seat Leon – before throwing away the box.
A witness, whose CCTV footage captured the crime, showed one of the suspects wearing a black ski mask.
The witness said the man’s widow is devastated by the burglary, adding: “We honestly can’t believe someone could do such a horrid thing.
“We hope the police can catch them.”
Det Sgt Cathryn Holland, from Staffordshire Police, said: “This is a serious offence that has left an elderly woman feeling understandably distressed and heartbroken.
“We have launched an investigation but we are appealing for the public to come forward with any information that may help bring the offenders to justice.”
The burglary occurred at a house in Bobbington, Staffs, on Thursday. The suspects dumped the casket around 30 minutes later.
Anyone with information can call 101, quoting incident number 317 of June 21, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
