Families’ dismay after vandals hit cemetery

Bereaved relatives heartbroken after headstones toppled and ornaments smashed

Bereaved families have been left heartbroken after a spree of vandalism at a Fife cemetery.

Fourteen graves were targeted at Methil Mill Cemetery in Methil, leaving a scene of devastation branded disgusting and wicked.

Headstones were pushed over and ornaments smashed some time between Thursday and Saturday.

Local Labour councillor David Graham, whose late wife Sharon is buried there, said: “These mindless acts of vandalism are disgusting and completely unacceptable.

“Cemeteries should always be places of reflection and respect,” he continued.

Police in Levenmouth are investigating the incident and have urged anyone with information to come forward as soon as possible.

Police are hunting vandals who damaged 14 graves at a Fife cemetery.

Bereaved families have been left distressed after headstones were pushed over and ornaments smashed in the wrecking spree at Methil Mill Cemetery in Methil.

One woman, whose father is buried there, described the scene of devastation as “heartbreaking” and “wicked”.

“Disgusted is an understatement,” she said. “Whoever did this are scum.”

The damage happened sometime between Thursday and Saturday and officers have urged anyone with information to come forward.

Local Labour councillor David Graham, whose late wife Sharon is buried at Methil Mill, said he was angered and upset by the incident and encouraged the public to help the police with their inquiries.

“These mindless acts of vandalism are disgusting and completely unacceptable,” he said. “Cemeteries should always be places of reflection and respect.

“The cost of the damage to the families of those who rest in the cemetery shall be extensive and this kind of damage is so unnecessary.

“I urge anyone who can help with information to contact the police as soon as possible to ensure our cemeteries remain the peaceful places they should be.”

SNP councillor John O’Brien branded the incident disgusting.

“These are memorials to people who have passed on,” he said. These cherished memorials to parents, brothers, sisters and children have been targeted and vandalised for no reason.”

Mr O’Brien, who has an aunt and a nephew buried there, added: “This cemetery is not overlooked by houses so it seems to get targeted quite a lot.”

Sergeant Clark Forrest of Levenmouth Police Station confirmed a probe was under way.

“We’re currently investigating a report of vandalism to 14 graves at Methil Mill Cemetery, involving headstones being pushed over and ornaments being damaged,” he said.

“This is completely unacceptable and will no doubt cause distress to those who have loved ones buried there.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Levenmouth Police Station on 101, or report it to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The cost of the damage to the families of those who rest in the cemetery shall be so extensive and this kind of damage is so unnecessary

Picture: Gareth Jennings. Councillor John O’Brien beside some of the damaged headstones in Methil Mill Cemetery.

Councillor David Graham has spoken out after vandalism in the Methil Mill Cemetery where his late wife is buried.