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Police have begin digging up a graveyard as they launch ‘archaeological investigation’ in a picturesque Wiltshire village.
Three forensic tents have been erected and a crime scene cordon has been put in place around 15 graves at St Andrew’s Church in Collingbourne Ducis.
Officers swarmed the churchyard early on Monday morning as they set up for the planned dig, but no details about the probe have been released.
Locals in the village have called the archaeological dig in the graveyard ‘upsetting’ but police said that relatives who have loved ones buried in the area nearby have been informed.
Wiltshire Police have begun digging up a village graveyard as they launched an ‘archaeological investigation’ on Monday (pictured, crime scene investigators at the site)
Four police officers were seen standing guard over the cordon today as three crime scene investigators and a CID detective worked directly in front of the church’s main doors.
Fresh soil could be seen thrown on a tarpaulin over two graves next to one of the forensic tents as the dig gets underway.
A concerned local, who was walking his dog in the area, said: ‘It’s worrying but police say there’s nothing to worry about.
‘It’s hard not to be concerned when they’re digging up the graveyard just round from my house.
Three forensic tents have been erected and a crime scene cordon put in place (pictured) around 15 graves at St Andrew’s Church in Collingbourne Ducis
On Tuesday, fresh soil could be seen thrown on a tarpaulin over two graves next to one of the forensic tents as the investigation gets underway
‘My mum is buried there but her grave is just outside the cordon, so I don’t have to worry too much. Still, it can’t be a nice experience for others.
‘You can see soil thrown across graves. It must be upsetting for those with relatives there, especially if they can’t visit them for however long – weeks maybe.’
In a statement, Wiltshire Police said: ‘This work relates to an archaelogical investigation of a site conducted at the request of Wiltshire Police.
‘Relatives of those whose graves are nearby have been informed.
Locals in the village have called the archaeological dig in the graveyard ‘upsetting’ but police said that relatives who have loved ones buried in the area nearby have been informed
No details about the operation were released by the force, who appear to be keeping any information about the probe under wraps
‘This should not cause any disruption to the public, with the route remaining open for pedestrians.’
No details about the operation were released by the force, who appear to be keeping any information about the probe under wraps for now.
The small village of Collingbourne Ducis is situated on Salisbury Plain north of Tidworth, with a population of around 1,000 people, and the busy A338 dual carriageway runs through it.
Source: Daily Mail
