Family seeks return of mini-Land Rover heirloom

The car was discovered missing from the family home on 28 January

A family has issued a plea to thieves to return a miniature replica Land Rover that has sentimental value to them.

Richard Nash built the tiny vehicle shortly before his death from leukaemia in 2007, so that his grandchildren had an heirloom to remember him by.

But his son Philip Nash discovered his garage door was open and the child-sized car was missing from his home in Walnut Tree, Milton Keynes, on 28 January.

"It was a lasting memory; now it's been taken from us," he said.

Richard Nash died from leukaemia in 2007

The working model has been used by the family for more than 17 years, and moved with them when they relocated to the United States.

"People used to stop us in the street and say how much they loved us driving it," said Mr Nash, 53.

He said the car had been used by all five of his children, from his eldest, now 22, to his youngest, who is four.

"The little boy is asking where his Land Rover is and I'm telling him it's in for repairs. I don't want to tell him it's been robbed," he said.

Philip Nash's son has asked where his Land Rover is and has been told it is in for repairs

Mr Nash's father was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2006 and given a life expectancy of 12 months.

He decided to use that time to build the car from a kit.

"He had this practically finished by the time he passed away," Mr Nash explained.

The mini-Land Rover has been used by all of Philip Nash's children

On 28 January, a neighbour messaged Mr Nash to tell him his garage door was open.

Thieves had cut precise holes to target the door's mechanisms and gain entry.

"It had its own parking spot so it was obvious that was gone," said Mr Nash.

"I was just frozen on the spot. Heartbroken. It's like losing something really sentimental and precious.

"It would be emotionally incredible to have it returned. It wasn't just a thing; it was a reminder of Dad."

Thames Valley Police said the theft happened between 15:00 GMT on 27 January and 09:00 the next day.

Anybody with information is asked to contact the force.