A GRAVE at Carlton Cemetery was ‘disturbed’ on Monday - leading to a week-long investigation by the police which has closed off the area.
South Yorkshire Police attended the scene, on Royston Road, just metres away from a local secondary school, following reports that one grave had potentially been tampered with.
Rumours on social media quickly circulated but the Chronicle can confirm a grave has been disturbed and a full-scale investigation has been launched across Barnsley.
The cemetery has been closed to passers-by since Monday - with tents and police cars blocking the entrance to the site.
It was originally believed the cause of the closure was ‘criminal damage’ but CSI have been at the scene.
It’s believed some jewels were stolen from the grave - though there have been no confirmed reports as of yet.
A police spokesperson told the Chronicle they are working with Barnsley Council to find out the exact details.
“Police were called to Carlton Cemetery in Barnsley at 2.52pm on Monday, May 2, following reports from a passer-by that a grave had possibly been disturbed.
“Officers attended and found disturbance to a grave within the cemetery that was not part of any pre-planned activity.
“We are working closely with Barnsley Council and other specialists to determine exactly what has taken place.
“The family connected to the grave are aware of the work being carried out and are being supported by officers.
“Officers attended and there is a scene in place while enquiries continue.
“Anyone with information which may assist our enquiries is asked to call 101, quoting incident number 559 of May 2.”
The Chronicle reported a spate of reported vandalism to graves and headstones at the cemetery at the peak of lockdown in June 2020.
This a local Royston councillor and the police to patrol the area themselves in a bid to ‘reassure’ residents.
Though at the time there were no clear signs that graves had been damaged by members of the public.
