Appeal as ashes missing after cemetery attack
A devastated family have appealed for help after a grandmother's ashes were removed from a memorial by vandals who wreaked havoc in a cemetery.
The ashes of Julia Ann Waldron have disappeared after the attack on 70 memorials in Rowley Regis Cemetery and Crematorium.
Items were removed from behind the plaques including ashes, with the majority left at the side of the memorials.
Mrs Waldron's family contacted Sandwell Council's bereavement services following the attack and they were told that her ashes, which were in a wooden casket, were missing.
The family have been frantically searching for the casket over recent days at the crematorium and surrounding land.
Police officers and council staff have kept in contact with the family but now relatives have urged for the public's help to find the ashes.
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Her daughter, Jane Harris, today said it was 'heartbreaking' and appealed for the vandals to listen to their conscious.
"We are not bothered about the people who have done this. We just want the ashes returned," said the 42-year-old from Rowley Regis.
"We are just asking if anyone has seen anything that looks unusual or out of place to speak to the authorities.
"Or if anyone knows these people or if they are reading this and they have a conscious, all we ask is just tell someone where these ashes are."
Mrs Waldron, who lived off Shepherds Fold, in Blackheath, died on August 6, 2008, aged 62, after complications following a period of ill health.
Her ashes were placed within a small wooden casket, possibly with an overhanging lip on the bottom and top, which was placed inside the memorial.
The attack was discovered by council staff as they opened the site last Monday (13) morning.
Shop worker Mrs Harris, who is making the appeal along with her sister Julie Knott, 45, added: "It is heartbreaking. We can't believe it has happened. We are very grateful to the council staff and police who have been very helpful."
Sandwell Council leader Councillor Darren Cooper said: "We're continuing to work closely with the family and West Midlands Police to resolve this matter.
"Staff are searching for the casket and any information that members of the public can provide would be welcomed to help us ease the family's suffering."
Any concerned families or those with information on the missing remains have been asked to call Sandwell Council's bereavement team at the cemetery on 0121 569 6700 between 9am and 4.30pm.
