HEADSTONES in Radnor Street Cemetery were vandalised by a group of disrespectful teenagers on Sunday.

The five boys, believed to be of Asian origin, committed the offence at 4pm with Wiltshire Police urgently wanting to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident.

Several headstones have been knocked over with one of the worst damaged being the grave of William Bishop, who died on October 19, 1931, which is based near the site’s Deacon Street entrance.

Historian Mark Sutton, who has researched the lives of many of those buried in the cemetery and gives tours of the 104 Commonwealth war graves at the cemetery, is outraged by the damage.

Mark said: “I’m very saddened to hear that this has happened. Thankfully, we hadn’t had something of this severity happen there for some time. I don’t know why someone would do this but they can’t be very respectful. They must see this as a badge of honour.

“I would like to meet with the people that have done this and get them to explain why they have done it and understand what a cemetery means to them. As always, it is the minority who are bringing Swindon down.”

Coun Stan Pajak (Lib Dem, Eastcott) was also distressed to hear of the vandalism at the cemetery.

He said: “It is just terrible as this is a heritage site for Swindon which homes war graves. The idea of someone going into a cemetery and vandalising the graves is very shocking. I just can’t believe the actions of these stupid people. I hope the police catch those responsible and we can then show them the severity of the offence that they have committed.”

Following the incident police have stepped up patrols in the area. The cemetery has previously suffered vandalism twice this year with signs put up as part of a First World War commemoration project being broken. They were replaced by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

  • Anyone who witnessed this latest incident can call the police on 101 or alternatively information can be left anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.