AN URN containing cremated human ashes have been found in a supermarket trolley in Essex.
The biodegradable container was handed in to a security guard after being found by a customer in Lidl supermarket, Abbot's Road, Colchester, on Monday.
Samuel David, a member of the security team at the store, said he had been given the urn at around 5pm.
The concerned individual then took to Colchester Community Group (UK) Facebook page to try and find the person who left it and confirmed it has been kept safe and locked in the Lidl office.
The Gazette understands the urn contains the ashes of a person cremated at Charlton Park Crematorium, in Andover, Hampshire, last December, which is 148 miles away.
Business - Lidl (Image: Lidl) Mr David said: "To my knowledge it hasn't been collected yet.
"A customer gave it to me as I'm the security there and told me that it was found in a trolley.
"I just hope it gets back to the family."
Colchester Mayor and Old Heath and The Hythe ward Councillor Michael Lilley, said: "It must be incredibly upsetting for someone.
"They went in for a shop and must have forgotten about it, [not realising] the ashes have gone missing.
Sad - the urn (Image: Samuel David) "There must be someone out there living in Colchester who knows.
"We can only appeal, if anyone who knows anything about it, please get in touch with the Lidl store.
"It is a bit of a worry, hopefully they can retrace their steps, I've never come across this before.
"It is quite distressing, it is someone's loved ones, hopefully they will be reclaimed."
The nearest crematorium in the city is Colchester Cemetery and Crematorium off Mersea road.
Fellow ward Councillor Lee Scordis, said: "I imagine this is very distressing for a family and I hope this urn is reunited with them soon."
A Colchester Council spokesperson said: "We understand this is a deeply unusual and sensitive situation, and we appreciate the concern shown by members of the public and staff at the Lidl store in Abbot's Road.
"In circumstances where cremated remains are found in a public place, we would encourage individuals to contact Colchester City Council's Bereavement Services team as soon as possible.
"Our team is experienced in handling such matters with care and dignity, and we can liaise with the relevant crematorium to help reunite the ashes with the appropriate person or, if necessary, make respectful arrangements for their safekeeping or scattering.
"While this particular urn appears to be linked to a cremation that took place outside our area, we are happy to assist by contacting Charlton Park Crematorium to help resolve the matter.
"We thank the Lidl staff and community members for their thoughtful response and encourage anyone with information to come forward.
"For guidance or support in similar situations, please contact our Bereavement Services team directly on 01206 282950."
A Lidl spokesperson has confirmed the property of the customer is being stored until claimed.