Woman arrested after graves vandalised at Swanscombe Cemetery
13:43, 24 July 2020
updated: 16:15, 24 July 2020
A woman has been arrested after graves were destroyed at a cemetery.
Police were called to the site in Eglinton Road, Swanscombe, just after 2pm yesterday to reports ornaments had been damaged on several graves.
Officers attended and located a 46-year-old woman from Bromley after searching the area.
She was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and remains in custody as inquiries continue.
Swanscombe councillor Emma Ben Moussa made people aware of the vandalism on her social media.
She said: "Yesterday was an extremely upsetting day for many of our residents as the were made aware of vandalism to their loved ones graves.
"Dartford council staff and police were on site to help those affected and although it can not heal the upset that was caused, I am pleased to hear that a suspect has been arrested and it is hoped to be an isolated incident.
"Some ornaments were scattered across the site and flowers pulled from graves but residents have since helped to replant and put ornaments back any that are not collected will be looked after by the council from the weekend and I can be contacted for any queries.
"Although this incident was horrible it was a quite a moment to see Swanscombe pull together to help clear up and I'm very proud of all members of the community that supported each other."
It was originally thought up to 50 graves were targeted, but police have confirmed up to 15 were affected.
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