70 memorials wrecked at cemetery

Around 70 memorials at a cemetery in Sandwell have been wrecked by vandals in an attack condemned as 'despicable' and 'disgusting'.

The precious memorials were ripped apart in the attack at Rowley Regis Cemetery and Crematorium.

Council staff made the grim discovery as they opened the cemetery and crematorium yesterday morning.

Around 70 memorials were found damaged in the Garden of Remembrance at the site, off Powke Lane. The memorials had their fascias ripped off and in many cases the contents scattered all over the ground.

The damaged area was sealed off as police investigate the attacks.

Sandwell Council staff have started calling relatives of those affected with offers of support.

Council leader Councillor Darren Cooper today condemned the attack and issued an appeal for members of the public to co-operate with a police and council investigation into the crime.

He said: "This is a despicable act of vandalism and our first thoughts are with the families affected by this crime.

"Our cemetery staff are contacting relatives to let them know what has happened and we are working with the police to track down the person or people who did this."

Councillor Cooper added: "It is those families who have to relive their bereavement that I really feel for.

"Whoever has done this, I hope they are punished severely.

"I'm very upset about this. We will be doing what we can as a council to help."

Sergeant Cheryl Reed, from the Blackheath and Rowley Regis neighbourhood policing team, said enquiries were continuing in a bid to identify those responsible.

"This is a disgusting act of criminal damage," Sgt Reed said.

"It seems mindless vandalism was the only motive as nothing appears to have been stolen.

"It will no doubt be very distressing for the families whose loved ones' memorials have been attacked. We will do all we can to identify the offenders and see them punished.

"The damaged area of the cemetery was sealed off to enable forensic experts to carry out an examination of the scene, while local enquiries are ongoing.

"I would urge anyone with information to contact Sandwell police on 101."

Any concerned families have been asked to call Sandwell Council's bereavement team at the cemetery on 0121 569 6700 between 9am and 4.30pm.