Muslim graves damaged at Bulwell cemetery

Muslim graves have been vandalised at a cemetery in Bulwell.
Stock picture of a police officer on the beat to go with story about levels of fitness among Lancashire police officersStock picture of a police officer on the beat to go with story about levels of fitness among Lancashire police officers
Stock picture of a police officer on the beat to go with story about levels of fitness among Lancashire police officers

The damage was caused to at least 10 graves in High Cemetery in Low Wood Road, with reported damage including to name plaques and decorative lights.

The damage was reported at around 11.30am on Sunday morning and is believed to have been caused overnight.

Damage has been caused to Muslim and non-Muslim graves but the focus of the criminal damage appears to be in the Muslim section of the cemetery.

Chief Supt Mark Holland said: “This type of offence is taken very seriously and a thorough investigation is being conducted.

“Criminal damage of this nature is obviously very upsetting for the families and we are working swiftly in our efforts to identify those responsible.

Nottinghamshire Police has been liaising closely with the Muslim community in Nottinghamshire since the events in Tunisia earlier this week and we have been in close contact following the reports of these events this morning.

“I am sure everyone in Nottinghamshire will be united in their condemnation of these actions and we would urge anyone who knows anything about this incident to contact Nottinghamshire Police immediately.”

As a result of this incident patrols at this and similar locations have been increased.

Nottingham City Council deputy leader, Graham Chapman, said: “We totally condemn what has taken place at High Wood Cemetery. We have good community relations in Nottingham backed by responsible leadership from all sections of the community.

“While we have a proud tradition in Nottingham of bringing communities together this act is designed simply to try to divide communities in our City.

“This irresponsible act of hatred achieves absolutely nothing. We will be increasing security at the cemetery and, although we cannot guarantee solving this hate crime, the Council will be working with the police to do our utmost to track down the perpetrators.”

If you know who is responsible or have any information which could assist please call Nottinghamshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 407 of 28 June, 2015, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Related topics: