Anger as war graves smashed in Hirst Wood burial ground in Bradford, in week of D-Day anniversary

Photo issued by Hirst Wood Regeneration Group of a gravestone that was found smashed Credit: Hirst Wood Regeneration Group / PA Wire

Numerous gravestones were found smashed in a Bradford cemetery in the run-up to the D-Day anniversary, following what has been described as an act of "callous thoughtlessness" by vandals.

Among those damaged at the Hirst Wood burial ground, in Shipley, were gravestones maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

WATCH: Woman "sickened" by vandal's "brute force" after uncle's Commonwealth War Grave "smashed to bits"

  • Julie Watson

A spokesman for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission said it was too early to speculate whether the vandalism could be linked to this week's D-Day commemorations, but said the attacks were "disappointing" whatever the timing.

  • Andy Stillman, UK operations manager for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission [speaking via Skype]

A spokesperson for The Royal British Legion added: “We are shocked and saddened to hear of this incident. War memorials and graves honour the memory of our Armed Forces and deserve to be treated with the utmost respect.”

West Yorkshire Police believe the vandalism was carried out on Monday or Tuesday, with some locals discovering it on Thursday, the D-Day anniversary itself.

Smashed gravestone to Captain ARG Crossley Credit: Hirst Wood Regeneration Group / PA Wire

Among the graves damaged was that of Arthur Sheard, who was buried with his four-year-old daughter, who died just two days after him.

Arthur Sheard's damaged grave Credit: Hirst Wood Regeneration Group / PA Wire

Posting about the incident via their Facebook page, the Hirst Wood Regeneration Group said: "Sad to report that a number of gravestones in Hirst Wood Cemetery have been smashed.

"It is mainly the Commonwealth War Grave Commission stones, including that of Arthur Sheard who was buried at the same time as his four year old daughter Hilda, who died two days after him."

The group added: "It is impossible to understand the callous thoughtlessness of those who did this.

"Do they boast to their friends and relations that they managed to smash gravestones?

"What possible satisfaction can they get from such a mindless act?"

A gravestone that was found smashed in a cemetery in the run-up to D-Day Credit: Hirst Wood Regeneration Group / PA Wire

One woman who walks through the graveyard regularly, but did not wish to be named, said the incident was "shocking".

She told PA: "It's just awful to consider the lack of thought that has gone into this damage.

"The fact that it happened so close to D-Day is what I think has shocked people the most.

"It just makes you despair, really."

The woman said the damaged gravestones were being removed from the cemetery on Friday.

West Yorkshire Police have said they are looking for witnesses.

Detective Inspector Amanda Middleton said: "The gravestones were destroyed in what was a mindless act of destruction and I would urge anyone with any information to come forward and speak to the police.

"High visibility reassurance patrols have been stepped up in the area whilst officers continue with their inquiries."

  • Insp Andy Thornton, West Yorkshire Police