Police appeal after World War II gravesite set alight
Mayor Mark Greenhill says he is “deeply distressed” a World War II gravesite was set on fire during extreme bushfire conditions.
The Blue Mountains News
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A World War II gravesite in Wentworth Falls was set on fire on Saturday.
About 8pm, emergency services were called to the 4ha Wentworth Falls Cemetery which is visible from the Great Western Highway, following reports of a fire.
Police were told two people with a dog were seen putting sticks and leaves on top of a grave in the turn-of-the-century cemetery and setting it on fire.
The duo was then seen running away before NSW Fire and Rescue personnel arrived to extinguish the fire.
Police are now appealing for the public’s help in looking for the offenders.
The grave was not permanently damaged.
Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill says he is “deeply distressed” by the news, especially during extreme bushfire conditions.
“Any vandalism or desecration of graves deeply distresses me, as it would other members of the community,” Cr Greenhill said.
“I utterly condemn this act for both reasons and ask that anyone who has any information should give it to the police immediately.”
The cemetery, at 278-312 Great Western Highway, is one of nine cemeteries owned and managed by Blue Mountains Council.
The earliest known burial at Wentworth Falls Cemetery is 1899.
Anyone with information or who may have CCTV or dashcam vision from the surrounding area is urged to call the Blue Mountains police on 4751 0299 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.