Southampton cemetery chapel vandalised days after reopening

Shocking pictures show the extent of the damage at the chapel at St Mary’s Extra Cemetery in Sholing.

Several windows have been shattered, with broken wooden furniture thrown across the floor. 

Inside the chapel (Image: Southampton City Council)

The vandalism comes only days after the chapel reopened for services.

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Staff at Southampton City Council’s bereavement services, which runs the chapel, described it as a ‘distressing act of vandalism’.

‘The heart wrenching damage extends to the chapel’s interior, destroying a piece of our local history’, a spokesperson said.

A plea for information has now been issued by the team.

In a Facebook post, a spokesperson said: “If you have any information or have witnessed any suspicious activity around the Chapel on Sunday, October 29, we kindly ask that you come forward and share this with us or the local authorities.

“Your assistance will be invaluable to preserving our heritage.

“Please report any details to us or contact the police immediately. Together, we can assure that those responsible are held accountable.

“Thank you for your support and vigilance at this difficult time.”

The damage caused to the historic chapel has been described as ‘heartbreaking’ by residents.

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Commenting under the council’s Facebook post, Charlie Wilkinson said: “I can’t believe it. It was such a beautiful chapel; this is so heartbreaking.”

Brooke Oliver added: “Sick and twisted individuals. I hope its easily repaired.”

Concerns were also raised for the families who use the chapel, especially as the incident followed its recent reopening.

Charlie Keene said: “That's disgusting! I can't tell you what contempt I hold the criminals who did this in.

“For the sake of all the families who need this chapel, I hope it can be sorted.”

Alternative arrangements are being made for those who have upcoming services at the chapel, the council has confirmed.

A spokesperson said: “The vandalism of St Mary Extra Cemetery’s chapel which occurred on October 29 is hugely upsetting.

“This is now a police matter and we urge anyone that may know anything to come forward. “We will be reviewing the damage so we can assess what repair work will need to take place.”

Hampshire Constabulary confirmed an investigation into the incident is underway.

A spokesperson said: “We were called at 8.41am yesterday morning (Sunday, October 29) to a report that a chapel had been broken into in the grounds of St Mary’s Cemetery on Portsmouth Road, Southampton.

“It was reported that a number of windows had been smashed and damage had been caused to a door.”

Enquiries into the incident remain ongoing.