‘Sick’ vandals attack graves
The Manning family are sickened by attacks on the graves over the weekend including one on their mother/grandmother's Diane Manning. FL; Daughter Rachel Manning and grandson Freddie Bayliss, 8, on the site of Diane Manning's grave in Bury Cemetary that was vandalised.
A FAMILY have spoken of their devastation and disgust after vandals ransacked several graves in Bury St Edmunds cemetery.
Ornaments left in memory of lost loved ones were smashed or stolen and flowers set on fire during the destruction at the King’s Road site.
The grave of charity fund-raiser and former factory worker Diane Manning was among those targeted between Friday lunchtime and Saturday night.
Her daughter Rachel, 33, of Bury, said: “It’s sick and absolutely disgusting that anybody could do that.
“It’s bad enough losing a loved one without having to deal with this. You lay someone to rest and think they’re at peace. My family are devastated.”
Items damaged or stolen at the grave of Mrs Manning included a picture frame as well as teddy bear and fairy ornaments.
The mother of four passed away aged 52 five years ago after battling a rare form of cancer. She worked at Dalehead Foods, in Bury, and raised money for charities including St Nicholas Hospice Care and ward G1 at West Suffolk Hospital.
Following the incidents, alcohol bottles were found at the scene and Suffolk Police have received three reports of vandalism.
Cllr Sara Mildmay-White, St Edmundsbury Borough Council’s cabinet member for culture, said: “I’m appalled by these acts. These incidents have caused great distress to the families affected and shocked cemetery visitors. Thankfully there was no damage to any actual headstones or cremated remains vaults.
“The area has been cleared and tidied and operatives will keep a close eye on that particular part of the cemetery over the coming days.”
Anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious should contact Pc Adam Firman, quoting crime number BU/12/2137, on 101.
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Weather for Bury St Edmunds
Sunday 19 May 2013
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