Thugs rampage through Muirkirk cemetery

Jul 3 2009 by Lisa Boyle

SICK thugs went on the rampage in a village cemetery.

The vile criminals broke seven headstones and pulled down 16 others in Muirkirk graveyard.

Families of the people laid to rest there have been left devastated by the desecration.

The headstones – including children’s – will have to be re-set in place.

Among those damaged are a massive granite Celtic cross which has been in the cemetery for over 100 years.

A nine-year-old child’s grave was also wrecked when the thugs tore down and broke an angel placed on top of the headstone.

The incident happened between 3.30pm last Friday (June 26) and 6.45am the following morning when a gravedigger discovered the damage.

Police have vowed to catch those responsible and bring them to justice.

Superintendent Dougie Robertson blasted the thugs.

He said: “This incident is despicable and completely unacceptable. It is clear the people responsible have shown absolutely no respect or compassion for the families of the people laid to rest in the cemetery.

“It saddens me greatly that people within our community are capable of such mindless and wanton vandalism.“

And he sent out a stern warning to the culprits.

Supt Robertson continued: “Enquiries are ongoing to have these criminals pursued and I will ensure that all lines of enquiry are exhausted in an effort to trace, prosecute and convict those responsible for this totally unnecessary crime.

“Finally, I appeal to anyone who has any information regarding this incident to help the police track down the culprits – don't let them get away with it.”

Muirkirk councillor Jimmy Kelly heard what happened and was devastated when he went to see the damage for himself on Saturday morning.

He said: “The people responsible for this are mindless idiots, it’s absolutely disgusting.

“It’s unbelievable anybody would even contemplate doing such a thing.

“What makes it even worse is that lately people in the village have been talking about the standard the caretaker has the cemetery at.

“It’s absolutely beautiful and so peaceful. If there was a competition in the West of Scotland for the best kept cemetery, Muirkirk would win it. The people of Muirkirk are very proud of it and are appalled at what has happened.”

Anyone who has any information on the vandalism should contact Cumnock police on 01290 306600 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.