Police are appealing for information after a grave in Merton and Sutton Joint Cemetery in Morden was left “damaged” in a suspected arson attack.

On Thursday (August 17) at around 7.50am, a visitor to a grave at the cemetery discovered that items left “intact” the previous night had been burnt, along with scorch marks on the turf and trees surrounding the grave.

The incident is believed to have taken place after 9pm on August 16, after the cemetery closed.

Police have confirmed that no other graves had been damaged.

Enquiries are ongoing and police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

A spokesperson for Met Police said: “Police are appealing for witnesses and information following a suspected arson at a grave in Merton and Sutton Joint Cemetery in Morden.

“The incident occurred overnight from when the cemetery closed at 21:00hrs on Wednesday, 16 August and reopened the following morning.

“A visitor to the grave who arrived at around 07:50hrs on Thursday, 17 August reported items that had been left intact the previous night had been burnt and there was obvious scorch marks on turf and trees surrounding the grave.

“No other graves had been damaged.

“Enquiries into the circumstances are ongoing.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote 3921/17AUG.

“You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”