Shock and upset rippled through a North London community after vandals disrespected gravestones at St Mary and Christ Church, Hendon, breaking several and pushing them to the ground.
Hendon Ward Councillor, Nizza Fluss, posted the images on Twitter, which show multiple broken gravestones, with crosses that have been broken up in two examples.
She urged anyone with any information to contact the Rev’d Dr Julie Gittoes as well as the police, giving the reference number: 2403023/21 13/2/2021.
Since the incident, members of the church’s community have placed flowers on the broken gravestones, to show their respect and care towards those affected by the incident.
Rev’d Dr Julie Gittoes, the Vicar of St Mary and Christ Church, Hendon said: “The community is shocked and saddened by the vandalism as it’s a popular and tranquil place to walk through, and some have family links.
(Image: Dr Julie Gittoes)
“The Police are aware and some members of the Council.
“One of our congregation suggested placing flowers by the damaged graves as a sign of respect and care – it brings colour and beauty too.”
The Vicar added that a lot of people have been walking through the church’s gardens during lockdown, valuing the peace and tranquillity it brings, and have been shocked and saddened by the incident.
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She said the main thing she is focusing on is the community response, where people have put flowers on the damaged graves.
“More have done it today,” she explained.
“For me that’s really important, to bring some respect, care, colour and beauty.”
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: “We are aware of reports of criminal damage at a church in Church End, NW4.
“The damage is believed to have occurred on either Friday, 12 February or Saturday, 13 February.
(Image: Dr Julie Gittoes)
“No witnesses have come forward and an assessment of the available evidence determined there were no realistic lines of enquiry at this stage.
“Anyone with information about this incident can still call 101 providing the reference 2403023/21.”
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