Ancient tomb on Dartmoor 'used as fire pit'

AN ancient Dartmoor tomb has been left scorched and blackened, with concerns raised that it was used as a fire pit.

- By KATIE OBORN

The 'sad sight' in the Bellever area of the moor was discovered by Will Bond, who was enjoying a walk in the area at the time of his discovery on September 23.

Mr Bond photographed the cist, which dates back to the Bronze Age, and reported the matter to the Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA).

He also shared his dismay on social media, with hundreds agreeing it was 'shocking' to see, with some even blaming 'witchcraft'.

Bellever was home to an ancient settlement and this tomb is one of many historical sights hidden in moorland in the vicinity.

A cist (also called a kist which means the same thing) is a prehistoric stone-built burial chamber, made to lay the dead to rest in the Bronze Age or Late Neolithic eras.