Arrests in churchyard grave damage investigation

Three men have been arrested after reports of a crime concerning a grave at a South Yorkshire churchyard.

Police officers spent eight days at All Saints Church in Laughton-en-le-Morthen, near Rotherham, earlier this month.

Two 25-year-old men and a 53-year-old man have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit criminal damage and causing a public nuisance, according to South Yorkshire Police. All three remain in custody.

Det Insp Lucy Garside said officers believed this was a "targeted incident and that there is no threat to other graves within the church yard".

"This would have been an extremely distressing and concerning time for those who have loved ones also in the churchyard," she said.

A forces spokesperson said the next-of-kin of the deceased had been informed and were being supported by specially trained officers.

The churchyard was closed to the public while investigations were carried out but has since reopened.

Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North