St Peter's Parish Church vicar expresses shock over damage caused to gravestones

Police were called to St Peter's Parish Church in Halliwell at around 7.30am on Thursday, October 8 after gravestones had been knocked over and damaged.

And seven day later on Thursday, October 15 officers were sent to the Church Road site again after more gravestones had been toppled in the previous two days.

In total, 43 resting places have been affected.

Some of the gravestones that have been damaged

Reverend Canon Paul Hardingham said: "It is terrible and shocking, words fail you.

"I think it is such needless vandalism and my concerns are for the graves that are damaged. It will cause them such heartache and anguish.

"I really feel for them.

"It is upsetting for the community to know that this is going on."

The vicar also said the "sickening" vandalism has happened despite the efforts of the church which works to keep the cemetery as tidy as possible.

And the church has been writing to people whose family members' graves have been damaged and looking at ways the damage can be reduced.

Reverend Canon Paul Hardingham

"We are trying to do the best for everyone involved", Reverend Canon Paul Hardingham said.

"It is so sad that this is happening, it is very difficult to understand the mindset of those who are doing it."

Rev Canon Hardingham has also praised the police, who have stepped up patrols and are investigating the incidents.

Last week Inspector David Johnston, of Greater Manchester Police’s Bolton district, said: “I would like to start by sending my condolences to the families and friends affected by these callous crimes.

“The person/ people responsible clearly have no regard for others – I would encourage them to think about how they would feel if the grave belonged to one of their loved ones.

“I am disgusted by what has happened.

“An investigation is underway and I can reassure people that my team will work hard to identify the offenders and ensure they face justice.

“Finally, I would appeal to anyone with information which may assist us with this to contact us or Crimestoppers as soon as possible so that we can prevent any further incidents.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 5599 quoting 645 of October 8 or 1,151 of October 15.

Alternatively, call the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.