The family of a 33-year-old PhD student who died unexpectedly last week have appealed for the return of his belongings which were stolen from his unoccupied flat just days after his death.

Exeter College student William DeJanes, who lived in a flat in Cowley Road, Oxford, was found dead at his home on March 15.

Just two days later, the rented flat was burgled, with the offenders taking property including his mobile phone and a laptop which contained photos of him and his family, as well as all his work, including a thesis on Aids which he just completed.

His death is not being treated as suspicious but is believed to have been related to a medical condition.

His parents, Sherry and Gerry Donovan from Kansas, US, who were already devastated by the sudden death of their son, are appealing to anyone who knows the whereabouts of his belongings to come forward.

Mr DeJanes’ parents are in the UK as their son’s funeral was held yesterday.

Two people, a 32-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman, have been arrested in connection with the burglary and have been released on bail until April 14, but the laptop and the mobile phone have not been recovered as yet.

Det Con Rich Allmond, of the burglary team based at Oxford, said: “This is a heartbreaking situation for William’s parents to have to deal with on top of their tragic loss.

“People need to examine their consciences and come forward if they have any information about where William’s belongings are now as it would mean so much to his parents to have his personal items returned to them.”

If you have information, please call Det Con Allmond at Oxford CID via the 24-hour Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505. If you don’t want to speak to police or leave your name, call the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.