Call for security review after graves desecrated at Derry City Cemetery

Foyle SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan described the vandalism as “absolutely disgraceful”, and said: “I will be speaking with Council to see what additional security measures might be required to protect this sacred place where so many of our loved ones are at rest.

“Whoever is responsible for this destruction would need to have a long hard look at themselves, consider the hurt they have caused grieving families and catch themselves on.”

Mayor Brian Tierney said his thoughts were with the families who owned the graves, and that CCTV cameras had been installed in a number of areas in the cemetery to assist in deterring and identifying anyone involved in anti-social behaviour.

“We would urge the public to be aware that the City Cemetery is a place of quiet reflection and such incidents can cause great distress to bereaved families. Anyone who witnesses any anti-social activity or vandalism is asked to contact the PSNI directly or to report it to Council’s Community Safety Wardens, who also operate in the area.”

Sinn Féin Councillor Patricia Logue said: “Sadly, this is not the first occasion in recent times that graves in the new section of the lower part of the City Cemetery have been targeted. There has been damage to a number of holy ornaments, flowerpots and other bits and pieces that families had placed on their loved one’s graves. I would once again appeal for these senseless actions to stop.”

The Council announced last week that it is closing cemeteries an hour earlier from this week.