Police to keep Rotherham cemetery closed as investigations into 'grave tampering' continues
Police will continue to keep a Rotherham cemetery closed as they investigate allegations of grave tampering.
Throughout the week, South Yorkshire Police have had officers present at the grave yard of All Saints, Laughton-en-le-Morthen, in Rotherham.
It is understood that they are investigating reports of a crime relating to one grave, with police calling the incident ‘targeted’.
Officers will remain in the in the area throughout the following days, with the cemetery set to remain sealed off.
They are now asking the public for help, urging anyone who was on Rotherham Lane - where the cemetery is located - between the evening of Saturday, January 31 and the morning of Sunday, February 1 - to come forward if they saw anything suspicious.
Anyone with dascham or CCTV footage in the area during that time is also asked to come forward to the police.
Additionally, people who visited the church yard between Thursday, January 29 and Sunday, February 1 and who saw something relevant is being advised to get in touch.
Police can be contacted through 101, or on their website here, quoting incident number 398 of February 1, 2026.
A Rotherham South neighbourhood policing team spokesperson said: “We were hoping to have reopened the church yard before the end of this week however, due to the nature of our enquiries, this has unfortunately not been possible. In the coming days, the police activity at the grave side will continue.
“Whilst specially trained officers are supporting and liaising with the family, we understand the concern and distress this has caused within the wider community – particularly those whose loved ones are buried in the church yard. Whilst the closure is in place, All Saints has agreed that flowers can be laid on and surrounding the bench near the side door of the church building.
“We would like to use this opportunity to thank the local community for their patience and understanding throughout our investigation.”
Pictures taken on Tuesday, February 3, showed a tent set up within the graveyard with police vehicles blocking off the entrance.
A fire service vehicle was also spotted on the scene.
Police have said there will be a visible presence in the surrounding area in the following days to reassure locals who may be distressed.