A grieving family has issued a heartfelt plea after a memorial to their teenage son keeps on disappearing just hours after they lay it.

Connor Saunders, 19, was rushed to hospital after being punched outside Tesco Express in West Street, Rottingdean, in April 2012. The talented footballer, of Downsway, Woodingdean, never regained consciousness and died after his family decided to turn off the life support machine.

Every Saturday since the incident, they have visited the site to light candles and lay flowers as a tribute to their son.

But his father Shaun said the family are heartbroken that the items have been vanishing.

Mr Saunders, said: “It’s beyond belief what some people will do. I cannot believe it. It just has to stop.

“It’s our way of just respecting him and just letting him know we will never forget. For me and my family, we just want to be left alone and people need to be respectful to us.”

When he died, Connor’s organs were used to save five people’s lives.

As an ongoing tribute, the family light five candles every Saturday when they visit the spot where he was punched. But in recent weeks, the tribute has been taken away.

Mr Saunders said originally he thought Brighton and Hove City Council or Sussex Police had been removing the tribute.

But, he said: “We have spoken to both and they have been fully understanding and respectful of what we are doing. Both have reassured us that it is neither of them.”

Mr Saunders has now called on Tesco to install a CCTV camera to act as a deterrent, as well as monitoring the groups of young people that continue to hang outside the shop.

As for the tribute, Mr Saunders said: “I will keep visiting, nothing will deter me. But this just has to stop.”

The family will continue to raise money for the Connor Saunders Foundation, which supports good causes in the area and teaches football to deprived children.

For more details on the charity, visit www.connors5.com.