VANDALS broke treasured ornaments on a young man’s grave and damaged the fence surrounding the plot of two infants.

Gravestones were also tipped over during the incident at Our Lady and St Thomas’ Roman Catholic Church in Cumberland Terrace, Willington, County Durham.

An investigation is underway and Durham Police are appealing to anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area between 6pm on Thursday, April 27, and noon the next day to get in touch.

PC Joseph Bell confirmed ornaments on the grave of a 20-year-old man had been broken, adding: “His mother visits the grave every day and she was there when I attended. She was very upset about it.

“The fencing around a very small grave belonging to two babies was also damaged.

“The ornaments may not have been of a high value but my concern is the emotional attachment and the impact of the crime on the families. It is disrespectful.”

PC Bell said it had been possible to restore the tipped over gravestones to their correct position.

It is also understood this is the first time vandalism of this kind has occurred at the church.

  • Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to contact PC Bell via101. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.