Police Investigating 'Despicable' Belfast War Graves Damage

An investigation has been launched into the damage of war graves at Belfast City Cemetery.

Police believe the 19 headstones were broken sometime between 7pm on Monday 10 August and 1pm the following day.

PSNI Inspector Andrew McConville said: "Damage to any grave is absolutely despicable.

"A graveyard is a place where people come to pay their respects.

"This behaviour and the destruction of graves will have a significant impact on individuals, families and communities."

It comes as the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) prepares to commemorate the 75th anniversary of VJ (Victory in Japan) Day on Saturday.

In a statement, the CWGC described the act as "an unwelcome and unacceptable situation that threatens the long-term security of CWGC’s work in the site".

"However, CWGC is extremely grateful for the strong moral and practical support it has received from local authorities and community leaders.

"We will continue to work with them to monitor the situation and we are fully supportive of their efforts to address the anti-social behaviour at the cemetery."

Police are asking anyone who may have information on the incident to come forward.

Cover image: The damaged war graves at Belfast City Cemetery (Picture: CWGC).