Grave vandalised

The incident happened sometime between 3.30pm on Christmas Eve and 12.30pm on Christmas Day at the burial ground behind the First Presbyterian Church in High Street.

The graveyard, accessed via Watson’s Lane, had in the past been plagued by teenage drinkers, but in recent years police seemed to have eradicated the problem.

Police are appealing for information after they received a report that a grave had been damaged in the area. It’s understood the damage was discovered on Christmas Day.

Minister at High Street Presbyterian, Rev David Henry, wasn’t aware of the incident, but said on occasion graves in the cemetery had been damaged by young people.

He said: “It was more of a problem a few years ago with young people drinking in the graveyard. The past year has been reasonably quiet.

“I wasn’t made aware of any vandalism over Christmas. I can only presume the report to police was made by someone visiting a grave on Christmas Day.”

The graveyard, which dates back to the 1700s, is fully complete and not open to new burials.

Anyone who has any information about the incident is asked to contact police in Lurgan on 0845 600 8000. Or, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.