Teenager arrested on suspicion of criminal damage over destruction of Shrewsbury's 'Scrooge's gravestone'

West Mercia Police has confirmed that a 15-year-old boy was arrested on Monday (January 27) on suspicion of criminal damage in connection with the incident in November last year.

The grave, which is located at St Chad’s Church in Claremont Hill, was used as a prop in 1980s film A Christmas Carol. Once filming was completed, the inscribed stone used as Ebenezer Scrooge’s grave remained in the church grounds and has since become a popular tourist attraction within the town.

Councillors and the wider Shrewsbury community were disgusted at damage caused to the gravestone. 

Local company Midland Masonry carried out repairs, for free, in a bid to return the film prop to its former glory. 

Police said the teenager who was arrested has been released on police bail as enquiries continue into the incident. 

It’s believed the gravestone, which was broken into three pieces, was damaged between Thursday, November 21 and Sunday, November 24.

Sergeant Gary Lansdale, of Shrewsbury’s town centre policing team, said: "I would like to thank the public for providing us with information that has helped our investigation.

"We have carried out a number of enquiries since the criminal damage was reported to us in November, and yesterday made an arrest.

"We understand the damage to the gravestone has caused concern amongst the local community, and I want to reassure the public that we are continuing with our enquiries and will update when you when we are able to."

Shropshire residents who could help with the investigation have been asked to contact the town centre team by emailing shrewsburycentral.snt@westmercia.police.uk quoting incident number 288i of November 24, 2024.