Home   Medway   News   Article

Kent Police and Crime Commissioner Ann Barnes pledges to raise Chatham cemetery attacks with chief constable Ian Learmonth

Kent's Police and Crime Commissioner Ann Barnes
Kent's Police and Crime Commissioner Ann Barnes

Crime commissioner Ann Barnes has pledged to raise the Chatham cemetery rampage with the chief constable Ian Learmonth.

Further damage was caused to children’s graves at the Maidstone Road site this week, just seven days after more than 30 resting places were desecrated by yobs.

It was said to be the worst vandalism the cemetery had seen.

Mrs Barnes said it was “absolutely appalling”.

She added: “It is callous and insensitive and I fail to understand why any human being would want to do something like this.

"My heart goes out to the families that have had to deal with these tragic events.

“I’m so shocked by this that I will be raising it with the chief constable and will take great interest in whether the culprits have been found."

Parents of babies and children buried at the cemetery found flowers ripped and ornaments moved or broken on Monday morning, shortly after they had cleared up the mess from the first vandalism attack on the night of Monday, June 17.

Teddy bears had been thrown about and moved from graves and some were thrown into a crematorium area.

New candles left on graves last week had been burnt and some mourners found beer cans on the site.

It is believed the second vandalism attack affected four or five graves.

For the full story, read tomorrow's Medway Messenger.

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More