In The News

Vandals damage graves in Newry

Vandals damage graves in Newry

A NUMBER of graves have been damaged by vandals at a cemetery in Newry.

More than 40 graves were attacked in the City’s Monkshill Cemetery. A number of wooden crosses were pulled-up, grave-side ornaments smashed and wreaths damaged during the attacks. The graves of four infants were among those targeted.

The vandals first struck on Thursday afternoon (March 13) with a further attack taking place on Saturday (March 15).

A local councillor, whose mother’s grave was damaged in the attacks, has hit out at those responsible.

Councillor Valerie Harte said: “I am totally disgusted that anyone would deliberately damage a grave. However, the fact that my recently deceased mother’s grave was among those targeted makes it all the more devastating.”

She added: “For all of the families involved this is extremely upsetting, However, for the loved ones of four small babies whose graves were destroyed I can only imagine the pain and annoyance must be dreadful.  We can think of no explanation for these attacks, no rationale and no motive”.

Police have also condemned the vandals. In a statement the PSNI said: “These are despicable acts of vandalism by individuals who have no respect or thought for their community or society in general.”

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