THE mum of a much-loved son who died was ‘horrified’ to learn her child’s memorial was thrown in the very river he died in.

Cheryl Bird, of Holborn Hill in Millom, felt ‘very upset’ after learning her late son’s memorial – a lifeline which included his name - had been thrown in the river at Haverigg.

The 54-year-old’s son Andrew died in September 2015 at the age of 27 after falling into the river.

It is believed that Mr Bird was trying to retrieve something that had fallen into the water when he slid down the bank.

READ MORE: Community in mourning over Millom man

Mr Bird, who suffered from Aspergers Syndrome, was immensely popular and well-loved by his friends and family.

His mum said the incident, which took place seven years ago in September, ‘still feels like yesterday’.

To commemorate Andrew’s life, a lifeline was installed in Haverigg to help others who may become in trouble in the water.

However on Thursday the lifeline was removed from its base and thrown into the river on two occasions in one day.

Mrs Bird, who works as a cleaner at Co-op, said the incident was ‘disrespectful’ to her late son’s memory.

She said: “The lifeline has Andrew’s name on it – this is disrespectful to his memory.

“I was horrified and upset to hear what happened. I was thinking how they disrespected Andrew’s memory by doing this.”

The lifeline has since been reinstated in Haverigg – and Mrs Bird has vowed to pursue the matter with the police if incidents continue.

READ MORE: Mum of a much-loved son who died in river tragedy urges people to be aware of the dangers of water

“It’s not a toy, it has the potential to save someone’s life one day,” she said.

“It really did upset me and the family.

“I will pursue it with police if this happens again – it’s not right.”

A spokesman for Millom Coastguard Rescue Team hit out online about the removal of the lifeline.

He said: “Please advise whoever thinks that this type of behaviour is acceptable, that it isn't and could possibly cost a life. This equipment is not a play thing, it is there for a reason. This is the second time in a day that it has been recovered and replaced.”