Outrage as first world war headstones trashed in sickening attack

Vandals pushed over some of the headstones, while others have been smeared in mud. Alastair Bradley, chairman of the Friends of Houghton Hillside Cemetery Group in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear,

blasted: "We are incensed that such mindless damage could occur and appalled at the behaviour of one pathetic individual. "With it being the centenary of the First World War this

has been particularly disgraceful." The Commonwealth War Grave Commission (CWGC), which is responsible for the care of 170,000 war graves across the UK, has been notified about the

damage. Stephen Liversage, the CWGC's regional supervisor in the north of England, said: “It is deeply upsetting to see the graves of those who gave their lives for us in two world wars

treated in this manner. “Fortunately, vandalism is extremely rare and in this instance, the Commission is already taking steps to reinstate the headstones to a standard befitting the

sacrifice of those they commemorate.” The headstones, on the graves of First World War heroes from the area, were only put in place in November 2014 after work by volunteers from both the

Friends group and the CWGC. A spokesman for Northumbria Police said: “Neighbourhood officers are increasing patrols throughout the grounds to help prevent any further incidents and to

provide a high-visibility police presence to offer reassurance to members of the public visiting the cemetery.” It is thought the damage was done some time between 5pm on Monday, February 15

and Tuesday, February 16. Officers are appealing for anyone with information to come forward. Witnesses should contact police on 101 quoting reference 801/160216, or call Crimestoppers

anonymously on 0800 555 111