'Serious incident of vandalism' at Derry's City Cemetery

Police in Derry say they are following a “definite” line of inquiry after a “distressing” incident of vandalism at the City Cemetery.
By Staff Reporter
Published 27th Apr 2024, 13:09 BST
Updated 29th Apr 2024, 15:12 BST
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Several graves were vandalised, and wreaths and momentums removed and damaged in the incident, discovered on Saturday.

A PSNI spokesman said police received a report shortly after 9am on Saturday that a number of graves had been damaged.

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“We have identified a male suspect and are following a definitive line of inquiry in relation to the incident,” he added.

A report of vandalism at the City Cemetery in Derry has been reported to the PSNI.A report of vandalism at the City Cemetery in Derry has been reported to the PSNI.
A report of vandalism at the City Cemetery in Derry has been reported to the PSNI.

Derry City and Strabane District Council confirmed that a serious incident of vandalism had taken place in the Kildrum section of the City Cemetery.

​The council said while they are currently not aware of any damage to headstones, relatives who identify this on their family grave are asked to bring this to the attention to the cemetery staff.

​Council staff have been on site carrying out a clean-up and repairs and providing support to families impacted by this very “distressing and upsetting incident”.

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​Families affected are being advised to contact cemetery staff with any queries regarding missing or damaged items from graves as ongoing efforts are being made to store items so they can be identified and claimed by their owners.

They added that they would like to reassure the public that “the peace and sanctity of the City Cemetery remains a priority for Council going forward”.

The council encouraged anyone with any information in relation to this incident to contact the PSNI directly.

​SDLP MLA for Foyle Mark H Durkhan condemned the incident on social media by posting: “Absolutely disgusted and depressed to learn that a significant number of graves in the City Cemetery have been targeted by vandals last night.

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“The destruction seems to have been confined to the newer part of the cemetery.

“My thoughts are with anyone who has to suffer the shock and trauma of seeing their loved one's place of rest vandalised.

“I will raise with council the need to improve security at the cemetery – and would appeal to anyone with any information about this heinous act to come forward with it so that those responsible can be brought to justice.”