Thieves stole a car from the Birmingham home of a bedridden cancer patient while family members were at his side for the final hours of his life, police have said.
Scott Wright, 26, lay at home in Erdington surrounded by loved ones when a thief, or thieves, crept into the house and took the keys to his Volkswagen Golf.
Noticing that the car, and his mother's handbag, had been stolen, Mr Wright's family reported the theft to police but kept the news secret from him so as not to upset him.
Mr Wright, who was given three months to live in June, had been battling cancer since August last year. His health had deteriorated badly and his family gathered at the house to offer comfort and support on Wednesday evening.
Police said the theft happened at some point between 10.45pm that night and 1.45am the following morning. Mr Wright died two hours after police officers left the house on Holliday Road on Thursday.
Mr Wright's mother, Lynn Wright, said: "Scott was a hard-working young man who was close to his family and liked by everyone who met him. He had fought a brave battle against cancer and endured his gruelling treatment without complaint.
"The family are grateful that his final moments were not marred by the knowledge of the theft of his car."
Detective sergeant Richard Cox, of West Midlands Police, added: "This is a truly tragic case that has devastated a family when they are already going through such a terrible time. It is highly likely that the offenders in this case would not have known about Scott's poor health, or the present circumstances, but that offers little comfort to his grieving family.
"The family understandably feel that they were robbed of two precious hours which could have been spent with Scott rather than giving statements, cancelling bank cards, and the like."
Police are appealing for anyone who has seen a black Volkswagen Golf, registration BN58 LPU, to call them on 0121 322 6074 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
