‘Despicable’ and ‘disgusting’ - Gosport families react after vandalism of graves at Ann's Hill Cemetery

After hearing about the incident on social media people rushed down to the cemetery, fearful that graves of lost children, parents and grandparents had been desecrated.

Former royal marine, Chris Young, 37, said: ‘My mother’s grave is one of the first you see when you come into the cemetery and so I was concerned it may have been targeted. Fortunately it was left alone but this is an absolutely despicable act.

‘This is supposed to be a place of rest. How do you punish someone who would do such a heinous thing?’

Rob Fisher, 73, whose wife and mother are buried in the graveyard, added: ‘I came down to check on the graves after my daughter called me up last night to say she had seen a post on social media about the damage.

‘Apparently, as well as the damage, items have been taken from the graves. It’s absolutely disgusting. I don’t know what enters someone’s mind to do this.’

Relatives and members of the local community had rushed to the cemetery to clean off green and blue spray paint graffiti, some of which had the letters TC.

Margaret Masters, 71, said: ‘My mother has been buried here for 15 years. I’m grateful her grave was left alone but I feel sorry for families who have had graves damaged. This is a sacred place. Why do it here?’

Ralph Saunders, 77, whose mother and brother-in-law are buried in the cemetery, added: ‘I just don’t understand their mentality. They need to be brought down to see the impact of the damage caused. How would they feel if it was their parent or grandparent?’

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Police believe the vandalism took place on Friday night (March 5) when vehicles surrounding the cemetery were also damaged.

A statement from Gosport Police said: ‘Gosport Neighbourhood Team will be carrying out enquiries in relation to a series of criminal damage incidents in and around the cemetery on Ann’s Hill Road this morning.

‘We are aware that several gravestones in the cemetery have been defaced and a number of vehicles in the surrounding area have also been damaged.’

Anyone who has information to support the investigation is urged to call 101.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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