Thieves try to steal Sigmund Freud's ashes

This is a 1931 file photo of Sigmund Freud, father of psychoanalysis, as he poses for sculptor Oscar Nemon in Vienna. (AP)

LONDON – Police are hunting burglars who tried to steal the ashes of psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud from a London crematorium.

The Metropolitan Police force says a 2,300-year-old Greek urn containing the remains of Freud and his wife Martha was severely damaged in a break-in at Golders Green Crematorium on Dec. 31 or Jan. 1.

Detective Constable Daniel Candler said Wednesday that the attempted theft was "a despicable act."

The father of psychoanalysis moved to Britain from Nazi-controlled Austria in 1938. He died in London in September 1939.

Golders Green Crematorium has seen the funerals of many British celebrities, including "Dracula" novelist Bram Stoker, comedian Peter Sellers and singer Amy Winehouse.

The crematorium said the urn had been moved to a secure location and security was being reviewed.