Vandalism Leeds Harehills Cemetery

We are saddened to confirm that despite the ongoing Coronavirus crisis, a war grave plot in the north of England has been vandalised. The recently laid turf at Leeds (Harehills) Cemetery was ripped up and thrown at the Cross of Sacrifice and screen wall, bearing the names of World War dead.

It is believed the damage was done on 31 March. Thankfully no war graves were damaged or disturbed.

We are talking to local contractors about how best to undertake repairs, taking careful account of the current restrictions on movement.

James King, CWGC’s Area Director United Kingdom and Northern Area said: “At a time when everyone is concentrating on doing their bit to control the spread of coronavirus, it beggars belief that someone would cause wanton damage to a cemetery like this.

“Like everyone else, we at CWGC are respecting the social distancing measures and doing what we can to support the national effort.

“Having to deal with the fallout from heartless vandalism is a waste of everyone’s time and effort, especially at a time when the public at large is proving how grateful we can be for those who serve the nation.”