Mum’s grief over grave
Tragic teen’s headstone is targeted
A grieving family have said they are heartbroken after their daughter’s grave was targeted by vandals
The headstone of Dione Melville was attacked by thugs who also destroyed ornaments and vases.
Dione sadly died in March this year at the age of 15 and shares a headstone with her grandfather, Jim Jervis, at Hermand Park in West Calder.
The schoolgirl passed away after being found unconscious at a pal’s party in East Calder while two other girls, both aged 15, were also taken for treatment at St John’s hospital in Livingston but recovered.
A youngster was later charged with supplying illegal drugs.
Police are now appealing for information to help them find the heartless culprits who struck at the cemetery between 8am on Tuesday, September 13 and 8am the following day.
Devastated mum Lesley said the incident had hit the family hard.
She said: “This has been soul destroying for us as a family and it feels like we’ve lost Dione all over again.
“We are absolutely devastated by this and the family have been in pieces since. We just want our beautiful Dione to be able to rest in peace with her grandad, and for us as a family to be able to grieve.”
Inspector Drew Elliot of Livingston Police Station said the crime was “despicable” and appealed to anyone who had any information to come forward.
“This was a despicable act which has caused significant upset to a still grieving family,” he said.
“Graveyards should be a place of respect and there will be an increase in patrols in this area over the forthcoming days.
“The area is frequented by visitors and dog walkers and we’d urge anyone who may have seen suspicious behaviour in this time to come forward.
“I’d also ask anyone who may have information which can help with our investigation to get in touch as soon as possible.”
West Lothian Council’s Depute Leader Cathy Muldoon said: “It’s absolutely disgraceful to vandalise a headstone, and we’d encourage anyone who has any information on this shocking incident to contact Police Scotland or Crimestoppers as soon as possible.”
Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.