A police investigation which lasted 11 days and involved a heavy police presence as well as forensics teams excavating a piece of land in Newport found nothing but a heap of "soil, rubble, boulders and rocks". Gwent Police received an unusual report of disturbed ground at St Julian’s Wood adjacent to Christchurch Cemetery in Newport last month.
Forensics and officers were sent to the scene. Initially, officers used equipment to screen the land and then began an excavation operation. While such reports might usually not be taken so seriously, given the land's proximity to the cemetery the force couldn't rule out the possibility of illegal burials.
After first attending the scene on Wednesday, April, 27, residents reported seeing a number of police vehicles and forensics at the site, a metal fence had been built blocking visibility from the cemetery and markers had been positioned across the field behind. But over the weekend Gwent Police called off the investigation when they found nothing but rubble.
Investigations have now been concluded. A Gwent Police spokesperson said the incident hadn’t been a mistake and it was important reports of such nature are treated "very seriously". To see more stories about Newport, click here.
Superintendent Vicki Townsend said: "We have concluded our investigation and we will be removing the scene from the cemetery. I understand that those with loved ones buried at the cemetery or residents living nearby may have had concerns about our presence at the site and the nature of our enquiries.
"I’d like to thank the communities in Newport for their support during this unusual operation. You may see additional officers returning to the cemetery in the coming days but this is nothing to be concerned about as this is linked to the removal of our scene at the site."
