Despair over vandal attack at Shropshire graveyard

The damage at St Simon and St Jude's Church in Cockshutt, near Ellesmere, has seen some gravestones broken at their bases and others cut into several pieces and left on the ground.

There have been four instances of people attacking gravestones at the church since the spring, according to church leaders.

An attempt was also made to take the church gate off its hinges in an apparent attempt to steal metal.

Church officials have spoken of their disappointment and say it is very difficult to catch those responsible.

It comes after it was revealed vandals broke windows and damaged gravestones which are more than 100 years old at St Mary's Church in Market Drayton, which has also seen four incidents of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage over the past year.

Jim Davies, churchwarden at Cockshutt, said the latest attack at his church took place about three weeks ago but added he did not believe the incidents at the two churches are linked.

He said: "For the past 180 summers these headstones have stood at peace in our churchyard until now, when for reasons known only to the mindless vandals responsible for their desecration, they lie broken.

"They remind us, if we need reminding, of the fractured and largely dysfunctional society which we find ourselves part of today.

"My guess is they have just launched themselves at them.

"If you kicked them they would snap quite easily I imagine.

"Recently someone tried to take the gate off the hinges. It must have proved too heavy for them to manage as they left it half on and half off.

"We report the incidents to the police, but we rarely get any feedback.

"As part of a crime prevention initiative we had a camera installed in July or August for about three months. It is there for traffic offences but does show a little of the church path.

"There is a guy who lives up the road from the church who has offered to get himself and his lad involved in reconstructing the headstones. It is an offer we are grateful to take.

"There is not a lot anybody can do unless we catch anyone at it. There seems to be no respect for property anymore."

Mr Davies said officials at Cockshutt-cum-Petton parish Council had been informed.

Richard Ewels, spokesman for West Mercia Police, said: "If anybody has any information concerning vandalism within the churchyard then please contact Shrewsbury Police Station on 101."

Information leading to the identity of the offenders can also be given to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, for which a reward may be paid.