Cruel thieves steal Hull FC shirts left for best friends
CANDLES AND FLOWERS ALSO TAKEN FROM CRASH SITE
CRUEL thieves have left two grieving families devastated after rugby shirts and candles were stolen from the spot where two young boys were killed.
Mason Deakin, 11, and Steven Duffield, 10, died after the bike they were riding was hit by a driver in Anlaby Road, on Monday, October 19, at around 6.10pm.
Steven died on the night of the crash at Hull Royal Infirmary, while Mason passed away in hospital in Leeds after a fortnight-long battle.
A man, 30, was arrested at the scene and has since been released under investigation.
There was a huge outpouring of grief and Steven’s funeral is due to take place today, while Mason’s will be held next month.
But Mason’s grandad, Tony Deakin, has hit out at the heartless thieves who have stolen the items which have such meaning for the families.
He said: “Someone has been stealing items left in memory of Mason and his best friend Steven.
“Bunches of flowers and Hull FC shirts been taken at the site of accident.
“It’s a disgrace considering there has been so much love and care from the community.
“We, as a family, are broken inside and to see and hear that this has happened has just broken the family even further.
“To have to go through what we did prior to Mason passing was awful and I wouldn’t ever want any parents to have to go through what we had to endure.
“Then this happens. How do folk live with themselves knowing that are stealing my family’s memories.”
Mr Deakin explained what items have been taken over the past couple of weeks.
He said: “A bunch of roses were taken on November 4.
“Since then, 13 Hull shirts, two very big Yankee candles, flowers
Best friends Steven Duffield, 10, left, and Mason Deakin, 11
and numerous other trinkets and small toys have been taken.”
Other family members at the scene yesterday also expressed their anger.
One said: “Please just leave them in peace and stop stealing from the memorial. It’s where we come to remember the boys. We have been sorting out the flowers and bringing them closer together.
“The rugby shirts have gone, bunches of flowers. It seems to be at Mason’s end that things has gone missing as it’s hidden off the road. It’s just disgusting.”
Mr Deakin does not believe there is much chance of the thieves returning any of the items, but hopes people may have seen or have footage of the items being taken.
He said: “I don’t think these people have a conscience to be taking stuff of a memorable place of death.
“But we are appealing to see if anyone has any footage or has seen anybody doing this.
“We have not reported it to the police yet, but if there is any footage or evidence, we could then pass this on to the police to see if there is any charge which could be brought forward or to at least name and shame them.”
Mason, who went to Chiltern Primary School, was in a coma and on life support and was transferred to Leeds General Infirmary after his initial treatment in Hull.
After his death, his dad, Jordan Deakin, 30, paid tribute to his “cheeky little man” who also left behind his mum Kirsty, little brother Lewis, eight, and sisters Gracie-mae, five, and Courtney, 15.
Mason’s funeral will take on Wednesday, December Northern Cemetery.
A huge Hull FC fan, his family and friends are being encouraged to wear Hull FC colours and kits to celebrate his love of the rugby league club, which he regularly watched alongside his dad.
Family will gather at his home in Wellsted Street before the cortège passes West Park and goes on to Northern Cemetery for a private service.
Steven’s family announced that his funeral service will be held at Chanterlands Crematorium today.
The plans include for Steven’s coffin to travel on a horse and carriage via Cottingham Road Mcdonald’s and the West Park skate park where the pair cemented their friendship.
A big turnout streets. place 9, at
It’s a disgrace considering there has been so much love and care from the community Tony Deakin
is expected on the