A STONEMASON has offered to repair baby graves vandalised in Bishop Auckland.

Durham Police said the local stonemason is willing to repair the damage free of charge but it must be reported to police first.

The force is asking anyone who was affected by the vandalism at Bishop Auckland Town Cemetery earlier this month to come forward.

Bishop Auckland Inspector Andy Reeves said: “The stonemason has twenty years’ experience and is prepared to repair the children’s graves free of charge.

“We understand that flowers were removed, vases and toys moved and headstones pushed over but nobody has come forward to report a damaged headstone.

“Anyone who has been affected, please get in touch.”

The stonemason offered his services after spotting a report of the damage in The Northern Echo earlier this month.

Five headstones were uprooted at the cemetery on Monday, August 6 - just weeks after distraught relatives called for action over the issue.

Families were left “disgusted” in July when flowers, broken ornaments and other memorial pieces were smashed or thrown from graves, including those of 25 babies.

And in May a grieving mother found her stillborn baby's grave had been vandalised while 30 historic graves were trashed.

Partner agencies including the police, councillors and Durham County Council are working together to find a solution to community concerns.

  • Anyone with information should call Durham Police on 101 quoting incident number 559 of August 6.