Police carrying out a week-long investigation at a cemetery have found an object below ground. Officers have been taking part in a 'sensitive excavation" work at Christchurch Cemetery in Newport.
Officers have been at the cemetery since Wednesday, April 27, where investigations continue into what the force is calling an “unauthorised use of land”.
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Here is what we know so far:
Large police presence
Officers were first called to the area next to Christchurch Cemetery in Newport at around 9.45am on April 27. A resident who visits the cemetery regularly said locals are growing concerned over the at times heavy police presence at the large field adjacent to the cemetery to the west.
Gwent Police Superintendent Vicki Townsend said: “We were called to the cemetery at around 9.48am on Wednesday April 27, officers remain at the scene and a section of undeveloped land adjacent to the cemetery has been cordoned off while investigations continue.
“We are liaising with the Ministry of Justice and Newport City Council in relation to this report. At this time, we are investigating a report of unauthorised use of the grounds.”
Area of land fenced off
The area of land is now surrounded by a metal fence. Behind the fence, blue police tape covers some of the field while multiple flags are dotted around and cones are numbered. There are no graves in the cordoned off area.
On Wednesday, May 4 at 11am one police van was at the scene and one officer. A forensics team arrived shortly afterwards.
An object has been found
Police have confirmed that an object has been found underground, but have not given details of what it is.
On Wednesday afternoon a spokesperson for Gwent Police said: "Our investigations have identified an object below ground at the land adjacent to the cemetery. From the initial work we are unable to confirm the nature of the object and we are therefore starting a sensitive excavation of the area."
Cemetery remains open
WalesOnline understands that the cemetery remains open to mourners, although Newport council would not comment.
On Twitter someone wishing to visit the cemetery wrote: “The pedestrian entrance to Christchurch Cemetery where you can walk over the motorway bridge from Christchurch Road is closed and gated off but there are no signs up saying no entry via [the] bridge. Can you let me know how long this will be closed for please?”.
A spokesperson for Newport council responded: “Sorry but we don’t have a timescale for reopening. The main access to the cemetery is still open from Christchurch Road.”
