Officers dig up grave after coffin tampering fears
POLICE are investigating after a grave was disturbed in a Manchester cemetery.
A specialist GMP team was sent to Blackley Cemetery after reports someone had attempted to dig up a grave.
Officers partially excavated the area to check that a coffin within the plot had not been tampered with.
They were able to confirm the coffin had not been damaged.
But detectives have now issued an appeal for information to identify who interfered with the grave.
The grave targeted is that a woman who died in 2006. No damage was caused to the headstone. A large amount of earth and a digger could be seen at the scene of the plot.
Forensic officers were initially sent to the grave. Potential evidence was removed from the scene but police said they were unable to say what as the investigation is ongoing.
Officers launched the investigation after it was reported that there had been an attempt to dig a hole in the vicinity of the grave.
No items around the grave were damaged or any neighbouring graves.
In a statement GMP said: “A specialist investigation has been carried out and a scene has been in place for two days.
“The investigation has concluded that there is no damage to anything within the plot and it is being restored to its original state.
“The family of the deceased have been informed and no other plots have been affected.
“If anyone has any information regarding this matter, please contact 0161 856 1146, quoting reference 710 of 27/06/18 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.