A plot to burgle the Buckinghamshire home of late entertainer Cilla Black has been foiled.
A professionally cut circular hole was discovered in the perimeter fence of her Denham home, ahead of her funeral next week.
Robert Willis, her eldest son, said today: "I cannot believe someone would stoop so low at a time like this. It's inconceivable. Thankfully it was discovered in time."
A statement released by her former publicist Nick Fiveash added: "A plot to burgle the Buckinghamshire home of the late Cilla Black has been foiled today.
"A professionally-cut circular hole was discovered in the perimeter fence of her Denham home ahead of her funeral on Thursday August 20.
"The police were immediately informed, 24-hour security has been increased on the property and all valuable assets including art, jewellery and her personal items have been removed and taken to a secured unit at an unknown location."