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Security is being stepped up at a crematorium after an urn containing the ashes of Sigmund Freud was smashed.

Staff at Golders Green Crematorium discovered the 3rd century Greek vase, which contains the remains of the psychoanalyst and his wife Martha, on the floor on New Year’s Day.

Police believe the attempted theft of the valuable urn occurred overnight on New Year’s Eve.

Detective Constable Daniel Candler said: “This was a despicable act by a callous thief. Even leaving aside the financial value of the irreplaceable urn and the historical significance of to whom it related, the fact that someone set out to take an object knowing it contained the last remains of a person defies belief.”

The urn had been on public display inside the crematorium in Hoop Lane, north London, where the last remains of famous names including Bram Stoker, Enid Blyton, Kingsley Amis, Joe Orton, Sid James and Peter Sellers are also kept.

A spokesman for the crematorium said the urn, which was “severely damaged”, had since been moved to a secure location and that security was now under review.

Freud, who is most famous for his pioneering work in psychoanalysis techniques, died in September 1939 at the age of 83.

His wife Martha Bernays died in November 1951 aged 90 and her ashes were also held in the urn.

Anyone with any information is advised to call DC Candler on 020 8733 4525 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.