SICKENING graffiti has been daubed on gravestones at a North Yorkshire cemetery.

A Nazi swastika, 'IRA' and a ‘Z’ symbol have been scrawled on the front and back of gravestones in the cemetery on Kirkby Road in Ripon.

The 'Z' symbol has adorned Russian tanks during the Ukraine invasion and is believed to be an abbreviation of the phrase 'Za pobedu' meaning 'for victory'.

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North Yorkshire Police says it will be increasing patrols around local cemeteries in the Ripon area to prevent further incidents of this nature.

Inspector Alex Langley from the Ripon Neighbourhood Policing team said: “Members of the public are quite rightly shocked by these instances of vandalism.

"This is particularly upsetting for the large military community that we have in Ripon.

"Incidents of this nature will not be tolerated, and I would urge anyone who has any information to contact us."

Anyone with information should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 select option 2 and ask for Katie Bell, alternatively you can email katie.bell@northyorkshire.police.uk

Quote reference number 12220048095.

 

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