Vandals have drawn a swastika, ‘Z’ and ‘IRA’ on the front and back of a gravestone in Ripon Cemetery.
North Yorkshire Police said today the attack was particularly shocking for Ripon’s military personnel.
It added it will be stepping-up patrols in the Ripon area “to prevent further incidents of this nature”. The cemetery is based on Kirby Road, close to Ripon Grammar School.
‘Z’ has appeared on the side of some Russian military vehicles in Ukraine.
Inspector Alex Langley, from the Ripon neighbourhood policing team said:
“Members of the public are quite rightly shocked by these instances of vandalism. This is particularly upsetting for the large military community that we have in Ripon.
“Incidents of this nature will not be tolerated, and I would urge anyone who has any information to contact us “.
Police urge anyone with information to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2 and ask for Katie Bell. Alternatively you can email [email protected]
Quote reference number 12220048095.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
