By Dave GooderhamA DISTRAUGHT pensioner has condemned vandals who damaged her beloved husband's gravestone just days before the third anniversary of his death.

By Dave Gooderham

A DISTRAUGHT pensioner has condemned vandals who damaged her beloved husband's gravestone just days before the third anniversary of his death.

Nine gravestones were cracked and scratched at Haverhill Cemetery on Thursday and two young boys are wanted for questioning by Suffolk police, who pledged to increase security following the “despicable” incident.

Ella Flack, who is preparing for the third anniversary of her husband Alfred's death on Monday, said when she learned on Saturday of the attack on his gravestone it had left her so distressed that she had been too scared to stay alone in her Haverhill home.

“I was broken-hearted and absolutely cried my eyes out. The cemetery is such a sacred place for me and these people have no idea how much distress they can cause,” said the 79-year-old.

“It couldn't have come at a worse time with the anniversary coming up. I was so upset - you hear about these things happening, but you never think they would happen to you.”

Mr Flack, a farmer in the area, died at the age of 84 after developing a tumour in the throat. His widow said her husband's gravestone had been pushed over, while an angel placed on top had also been smashed.

Inspector Mark Jepson, of Haverhill police, said: “These are despicable offences and will not be tolerated by Suffolk police.

“These mindless vandals have total disregard for the consequences of their actions and the feelings of the bereaved families.

“We will be increasing our patrols in the area and would like to call upon the continued support of local residents in asking them to report any suspicious activity in the cemetery immediately.

“We are also looking to launch a new project that will look towards addressing the issue with various partners within the community as well as looking at crime reduction issues.”

The two boys wanted for questioned are both believed to be aged between 10 and 12. One was described as plump with short, light-brown hair, wearing a T-shirt with red writing on it and with a black BMX bike, while the second boy had fair hair and was wearing dark clothes.

Anyone with information should contact Haverhill police on 01284 774100.

dave.gooderham@eadt.co.uk