Memorials left damaged after blaze at graveyard

AROUND 20 graves were left with significant damage after the historic graveyard of a rural Welsh church was set on fire.

- BRYANA FRANCIS

The vicar described the damage as “shocking” and said he and his congregation were “suitably outraged”.

St Sannan’s Church, in Bedwellty near Caerphilly, is home to a gravestone dating back to the 1770s.

Reverend Matt Davis said the fire on May 18 had damaged a 100 square metre area and “significantly damaged” around 20 graves, but they haven’t yet been able to properly access the area as the ground is still hot.

Rev Davis said as soon as volunteers could get safe access to the area they would be in contact with the families of the affected graves.