THREE war graves and a homeless man were discovered by council workers trying to tidy up a cemetery plagued by vandalism.

A total of six graves were discovered by Durham County Council officers while clearing a bush “the size of a bungalow” at Bishop Auckland Town Cemetery.

The shrubbery was being cleared in an attempt to prevent vandals hiding in it after several graves were desecrated and precious items stolen.

Early this month, the Northern Echo reported how the parents of six-year-old Mason Campion, who lost his courageous battle with cancer in July, hit out after his grave and that of his sister Jade, who was born prematurely, were trashed.

The “shocking” news of the discovery of the older graves came at the latest Bishop Auckland Town and Toronto Police And Communities Together (PACT) meeting on Wednesday night (October 27).

PC Alistair Henry explained how there had been thefts of personal photographs from children’s graves since the issue first started in January.

A spate of thefts in May and more recently in September and October also occurred while officers found flowers had been “surgically” cut and thrown about.

“I’m not happy with these people,” PC Henry said. “To steal from any grave is bad enough let alone from those belonging to young children, and one that was not even born.”

Resident, Leanda Chappell, said her mother’s grave had been desecrated and criticised the police and county council for not doing more to protect it.

“The police and the council have neglected that cemetery for more years than I can remember and the council must take half the blame for what’s going on up there; it’s like a jungle and the only thing missing is Tarzan,” she said.

However, she praised Durham County Councillor for Bishop Auckland Town, Sam Zair, who lobbied the council into removing the overgrown bush and providing a perimeter fence to make the cemetery more secure.

PC Henry said it was at that point that the graves and man were discovered.

“There was someone sleeping rough in the bushes and we did at one stage wonder whether he was responsible however, he’s now well out of the area,” he said.

The police said they were endeavouring to install CCTV although the option was expensive while a cut of 500 policemen since 2010 also made it difficult to combat the problem.

Cllr Zair, who is due to visit the cemetery with Mrs Chappell and police officers on Monday (September 31), said the discovery of the graves was “shocking” but praised the council for coming out within days of the issue being reported.

The council’s neighbourhood protection manager, Ian Hoult, said the council was taking the reports of damage “very seriously” and was working with Durham Constabulary to put on extra patrols in the area while a site meeting had been carried out.

“We have since made a number of physical improvements to the cemetery aimed at improving security, including removing or cutting back trees and bushes, and putting up a new fence,” he said.

“We would encourage anyone with any information regarding damage or thefts at any of our cemeteries to get in touch by calling us on 03000-261000.”