Appeal after 22 gravestones left damaged in Leamington

Officers are appealing for witnesses after more than 20 historic gravestones were severely damaged in Leamington over the weekend.

Between 8am and 8pm on Saturday, 6 July, a suspect or suspects did thousands of pounds of damage to 22 gravestones in Leamington Spa Cemetery.

The gravestones targeted were near the Windmill pedestrian gate and were particularly old.

Some were completely smashed while others were pushed over or otherwise damaged.

Sergeant Trent McMurray said: “This was a particularly callous and cruel act of criminal damage.

“Those responsible would obviously be distraught if someone damaged the headstone of one of their loved ones – but they believe it’s acceptable to do that to others.

“We are absolutely not going to tolerate this disgusting behaviour in our community.

“We are working hard to trace the offenders and we look forward to holding them to account.”

Any witnesses – or anyone who has any information – is asked to call 101 or visit Report | Warwickshire Police citing crime reference 23/28458/24.