War graves site in Harehills vandalised during lockdown

A war grave in Harehills Cemetery has been vandalised during the coronavirus lockdown.
Damage to the turf in Harehills CemeteryDamage to the turf in Harehills Cemetery
Damage to the turf in Harehills Cemetery

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission confirmed the damage and have released photos of turf near the plot that was ripped up and thrown at the Cross of Sacrifice monument, which is a memorial to those who died in both world wars.

The incident is believed to have taken place on March 31, when lockdown restrictions were in place.

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The graves themselves were not damaged or disturbed and contractors have been approached to begin repairs to the turf, which had only recently been laid.

Commonwealth War Graves Commission area director James King said: “At a time when everyone is concentrating on doing their bit to control the spread of coronavirus, it beggars belief that someone would cause wanton damage to a cemetery like this.

“Like everyone else, we at CWGC are respecting the social distancing measures and doing what we can to support the national effort.

“Having to deal with the fallout from heartless vandalism is a waste of everyone’s time and effort, especially at a time when the public at large is proving how grateful we can be for those who serve the nation.”

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In 2016, a mourner visiting the cemetery told The Yorkshire Evening Post that he had witnessed damage to around 50 different plots and headstones, including servicemen's graves.

Two years later police investigated an incident of 'grave theft' when a man was seen stealing ornaments from the cemetery.

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