Church ‘deeply worried’ over safety after graveyard sex attack arrests

Diocese considers curfew at city park where alleged rape took place

An old city graveyard could be closed at night following reports of a rape and prolific drug dealing.

The former St Paul’s churchyard at Longport was the scene of a reported sex attack on a woman in her late 20s, and the area was cordoned off on Thursday February 23.

The Gazette reported last week that neighbours who live at the Albert Road entrance of the site also say it is a haven for drug use.

The Diocese of Canterbury – which owns the land – says it is considering asking the council to lock the Longport entrance to the graveyard at night.

It will also investigate installing a gate on the Albert Road side of the site.

Spokesman Anna Drew said: “We are deeply concerned about reports of criminal activity in St Paul’s Churchyard, and would encourage people not to use it as a walking route at night.

‘I think it is appalling that they’re unlocked’

“We’re happy to look into the possibility of installing a gate at the Albert Road entrance, though we know that will not completely stop people from entering at night-time.

“We’ll shortly be in touch with officials at Canterbury City Council to progress this matter further.”

Cllr Michael Dixey (Lib-dem) spoke of locking park gates across the city at a meeting of Canterbury councillors on Monday.

He said: “Locking the park gates right across the city is a huge issue because of what has been going on since they’ve been unlocked.

“There have been sexual crimes, drug taking and assault in these parks, and I think it is appalling that they’re unlocked.”

At the meeting on Monday, the city council’s head of resources, Tricia Marhall, said it cost about £30,000 a year to lock all the park gates in the city.

Two teenagers, both male and aged 16 and 18, have been arrested in connection with the rape allegation and bailed until June 4 while further investigations are carried out.

Anyone with information should call police on 01843 222289, quoting reference ZY/007262/17.

Pictures: Chris Davey Police conducted door-to-door inquiries and cordoned off the entrance to Old Church Yard following the alleged rape at St Paul’s churchyard in Longport at the end of February