“Disrespectful and appalling”: Police investigate headstone vandalism in Ballymena

Police are appealing for information after a number of headstones were vandalised in a graveyard in Ballymena.

Officers received a report on the afternoon of Monday 21 July that damage had been caused to headstones at a church graveyard located on Cushendall Road.

Chief Inspector Tate condemned the incident as a “total lack of respect” and urged members of the public to assist in identifying the suspect.

“We received a report on Monday afternoon, 21st July, that headstones had been smashed at a graveyard located on the Cushendall Road,” Chief Inspector Tate said.

“It was reported that a teenage male had entered the area to carry out this appalling act of criminal damage, before running off down the Cushendall Road shortly before 1.45pm.”

The suspect is believed to be a teenage boy with black hair, wearing a white coat at the time of the incident. Police believe he fled the scene on foot between 1pm and 2pm.

“The damage caused to the graves shows a total lack of respect and is very upsetting for grieving loved ones, when a graveyard is meant to be a place for quiet reflection to pay respects,” Chief Inspector Tate continued.

Police are urging anyone who was in the area and may have seen the individual or witnessed suspicious behaviour to come forward.

Members of the public can report information via the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 806 of 22/07/25.

Alternatively, reports can be submitted online through the PSNI’s non-emergency reporting form at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport, or anonymously through Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.