Teenager due in court today over alleged robbery in city cemetery

Graveyard was closed for 24 hours after incident on Friday evening

A teenager is set to appear in court today after allegedly robbing a woman in a weekend graveyard attack. A woman in her 30s was allegedly robbed of her handbag in the Eastern Cemetery on Arbroath Road, Dundee, on Friday at around 11.30pm. An 18-year-old was arrested and charged yesterday morning following a major police investigation in which the entire cemetery was closed for 24 hours. The incident came just a day after a woman was the victim of a sexual assault in nearby Baxter Park on Thursday night between 10.30pm and 11pm. Police are yet to make any arrests in connection with that attack. The two crimes are not being linked by investigating officers. The force would not disclose whether a weapon was used in the cemetery incident but the heavy police presence has alarmed locals. Jeannette Ginslov, who lives nearby, said: “It creeps me out and it makes me really anxious. “I’ve decided to only cycle when it’s bright outside because of the attacks. “As a woman, it’s changed my outlook on the city. I never used to think about Dundee like this. “The police say the two attacks aren’t linked but it’s all very weird.” Another resident, who did not want to be named, said: “It looked very serious. There were cordons at every entry to the cemetery all day Saturday. “I could also see more police tape within the grounds. “I’ve never seen anything like this in the years I’ve lived here so it’s very concerning. “I can only guess as to what happened.” Detective Inspector Paul Riley had earlier said there was “nothing to suggest” the robbery was connected to the incident in Baxter Park. Confirming the arrest, he said: “I’d like to thank the public for their patience and understanding while we carried out our inquiries. “An 18-year-old man has now been charged and is expected to appear at Dundee Sheriff Court on Monday.” Residents living close to Baxter Park said police had been visible throughout Saturday and yesterday as officers continued inquiries into the sex attack. It is the second sexual assault to take place in the park in 18 months after another incident was reported in February 2017. The assault has not affected the Lady Boys of Bangkok show, which is performing in the park until Saturday. It is taking place in the Sabai Pavilion, just outside the initial police cordon.

A police presence outside the main gates of Eastern Cemetery in Dundee where the incident on Friday occurred.