Police appeal over 'vandalism' of trees at local cemetery

They say someone has been drilling the base of 120 year old trees, and pouring diesel into them

Retford Road Cemetery, Worksop
Author: Oliver MorganPublished 14th Jul 2024

Police in Bassetlaw have launched an appeal for information after cases of vandalism in a local cemetery.

They say someone has been drilling the base of 120 year old trees, and pouring diesel into them.

The trees have stood since the Retford Road Cemetery’s opening, with officers saying some of them are having to be removed.

In a statement on their social media pages, officers said: "Since the beginning of March through to June 6th, someone has been drilling the base of trees in the Retford Road cemetery at Worksop and pouring diesel into them. These historic trees, which are around 120 years old, have stood since the cemetery's opening and are vital to the site's heritage. The graves near these trees date back even further.

"If the trees cannot be saved, they will need to be removed, causing significant disturbance to local family graves that date back hundreds of years.

"We need your help to find the person responsible for this damage. If you have any information, please contact us on 101 quoting crime number 24000340579, or anonymously via Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.

"Thank you for your assistance in preserving our community’s history."

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