Southend-on-Sea City Council is working with Essex Police following a second incident of vandalism at Sutton Road Cemetery, which has seen gravestones damaged and chapel windows smashed.
Following the significant damage caused by vandalism at the site in April, a number of gravestones have again been damaged and desecrated, while windows at the cemetery chapels have been smashed. This is a deeply upsetting incident that has caused distress to families, loved ones and our wider community, particularly so soon after the previous attack.
Southend's Sutton Road Cemetery is a place of remembrance, reflection and respect. To damage graves and cemetery buildings in this way shows a complete disregard for those who have passed away and for the families and friends who visit to pay their respects.
Cllr Cheryl Nevin, Cabinet Member for Civic Pride, said: "I am shocked and saddened by the senseless vandalism that has once again taken place at Southend's Sutton Road Cemetery. The damage caused to gravestones and cemetery chapels is utterly unacceptable and has caused understandable distress to bereaved families and residents.
"We will continue to work closely with Essex Police to support their investigation and help ensure those responsible are held accountable for their actions. Our cemeteries are places of dignity and remembrance, and we will do everything we can to repair the damage and reassure the community."
Council officers are assessing the full extent of the damage and arrangements are being made to carry out repairs as quickly as possible. We understand the distress this incident will cause and are doing everything we can to support affected families while restoring the site.
We are asking anyone who witnessed suspicious activity in or around Sutton Road Cemetery, or who may have CCTV, dashcam or other footage, to contact Essex Police.
If you witness vandalism in progress, please call 999 immediately. If you have information about vandalism that has already taken place, report it to Essex Police via 101 or online at: www.essex.police.uk.
Thank you to everyone who has already offered support and information following this distressing incident. We remain committed to protecting and maintaining our cemeteries as places of dignity, remembrance and reflection for all who visit them.