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Joyrider arson attack at cemetery is new low

A photograph of the burning car posted on social media by cemetery worker Martin Parke
A photograph of the burning car posted on social media by cemetery worker Martin Parke A photograph of the burning car posted on social media by cemetery worker Martin Parke

THE burning of a car just yards from graves at Derry City Cemetery has been described as a “new low” in anti-social behaviour.

A Vauxhall Corsa car was set on fire on Tuesday night in a newly developed part of the graveyard.

The attack is the latest in a mounting series of anti-social incidents in the cemetery which have included the vandalism of graves and drinking parties.

Staff at the city cemetery worked throughout yesterday morning to remove the car and repair damage in time for a funeral which took place within yards of the attack.

SDLP MLA Pat Ramsey said the arson attack by car thieves had sparked particular anger across the city.

Derry Sinn Féin councillor Kevin Campbell said the attack was a new low in anti-social behaviour.

“There’s another funeral here this morning and it’s about 20 yards from where that car was burned. They’ve cleaned the place up but it’s the shock of someone stepping that low to do this type of incident in a cemetery,” he said.