Forensics are being carried out near the site of a cemetery in Newport after more than a week of police investigations. Gwent Police have now confirmed 'sensitive excavation work' will begin on land near Christchurch Cemetery. Officers have been at the cemetery since Wednesday, April 27, where investigations continue into what the force is calling an “unauthorised use of land”.
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, which 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. Read more: For more Newport news visit our Newport homepage here
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.”
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."
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.”
