A crime scene is in place at a Rotherham churchyard this morning over reports of grave tampering.

Police have taped off the churchyard in Laughton-en-le-Morthen - on the same road as All Saints Church - with several vehicles and a privacy tent pictured at the scene.

A graveyar in Laughton-en-le-Morthen, Rotherham, is under police guard today over reports a grave was targeted in an unspecified crime | Iconic Media Group

placeholder image — A graveyar in Laughton-en-le-Morthen, Rotherham, is under police guard today over reports a grave was targeted in an unspecified crime | Iconic Media Group

Rotherham South NeighBourhood Policing Team said officers are “investigating the report of a crime, relating to one grave within the churchyard.”

The next-of-kin of the deceased have been informed.

A spokesperson said: “We understand this may be distressing for those whose loved ones are buried in the church yard so would like to offer reassurance that we currently believe this was a targeted incident and there is no threat to other graves.”