Mother condemns 'mindless' grave vandalism

A bereaved mother has said it was "so upsetting" to see her daughter's headstone kicked over by vandals at a South Yorkshire cemetery.

Police said at least 12 other graves were wrecked at Crookes Cemetery on Headland Road in Sheffield, with memorial vases smashed, earlier this month.

Pat Grayson, whose daughter Caroline's grave was damaged, told the BBC it was "unthinkable", adding: "It's the only thing you have left of the person you have lost. Now it's a wreck."

South Yorkshire Police said it had launched an investigation and was working to identify those responsible.

Mrs Grayson received a letter from the cemetery management informing her about what had happened.

She said: "As far as I know, some people have just run amok through the cemetery, kicking down headstones, trashing what was in the graves and smashing vases - all in one particular area of the cemetery.

"It was amazing they were able to knock the headstones down as they're so heavy."

Her daughter Caroline died aged 20 and has been buried in the cemetery since 1987.

Mrs Grayson added: "It's unthinkable that anybody could be so mindless - to think that's a fun thing to do."

Officers confirmed they received reports of criminal damage from 3 to 4 July at Crookes Cemetery.

Mrs Grayson said that while the cemetery management were "very kind", the onus was on the grave owner to repair any damage.

"Putting things right will come later on - we just want to catch who did it," she explained.

She hopes any witnesses will have the "courage and conscience" to come forward and help the police so that the cemetery can be restored to a "peaceful and calm place".

South Yorkshire Police said: "Inquiries are ongoing and if anyone has any information, please get in touch."

The BBC has also contacted Sheffield City Council for comment.

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