CONCERNS have been raised after shots were fired with an airgun in Darwen Cemetery.

Damage was found on a noticeboard in Lark Street next to the entrance which is believed to have been caused by an air rifle.

Chairman of the Friends of Darwen Cemetery group John East said police had been notified about the ‘moronic’ behaviour.

Mr East, also a town councillor, said: “It looks like they have taken a shot at the notice board. It is probably just kids with a gun but it is moronic behaviour.

“We will be keeping an eye on it and we have told the police who I am sure will also monitor the situation.

“It is only minor damage but it is one of those little things that is irritating.”

Coun East said it was dangerous to be taking shots in the cemetery.

He said: “If someone had been hit by a shot it could have been much worse.

“We have been lucky really in terms of vandalism and anti-social behaviour in the cemetery recently.

“I think most people have a lot of respect for the hard work we have done there.”

The damage was particularly frustrating for the group, as it was discovered on their arrival for the fortnightly tidying group on Saturday morning.

Secretary of the Friends, Rosemary Jackson, said: “If anyone sees anyone with an air rifle in the cemetery or other public place please report it to the police.”

Whitehall councillor Karimeh Foster said it was ‘frightening’ to think somebody could be walking around with an airgun. She said: “It worries me. It is reckless and puts other people in danger.

“If somebody walked in front of their target they could be shot.

“We have a lot of people coming into the cemetery now, it is a lot more active than it has been in a while.

“We need to keep vigilant and people must report things like this to the police.”