IT is a place where the dead are supposed to rest easily.
And it is also a place where relatives and loved ones can go and pay their respects and spend some time in quiet reflection by their dearly departed’s headstone.
But evil ghouls in Derry have stooped to a new low by damaging little mementoes placed at a graveside to let them dead know they have not been forgotten.
This recent vandalism at the cemetery on the Lone Moor Road has been condemned as “sickening”.
Police said they received a report of damage to the graves at 9 am this morning.
Sentimental Ornaments and a religious statue are believed to have been smashed overnight.
Teresa Peoples, who was at her stepfather’s grave, said: “They had smashed statues, angels, ripped out stuff and taken bracelets from the graves.
“Holy water bottles [were] scattered all over the place and emptied out.
“It was sickening. You think that when you bury someone in here, they’re safe and they’re at peace.”
Cemetery maintenance manager Danny McCartney said the vandalism “beggared belief”.
“A number of teddy bears were torn up, ornaments smashed… we’ve tidied up now, but it’s just very distressing that anybody could come and do that at a cemetery where people are grieving already.
“I’m totally shocked and slightly emotional about it. I’m very sad and angry.”
Anyone with information about those responsible for this desecration of graves is asked to ring the police on the 101 number.
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