Appeal for information after criminal damage at Roche Abbey "caused by metal detectorist"

POLICE are hunting a metal detectorist suspected of causing criminal damage to Roche Abbey.

A section of the grass around the Maltby beauty spot was damaged overnight on between June 3 and 4.

PC Nathan Winder from the Rotherham South Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “Due to Roche Abbey being a protected site, any acts of criminal damage or disturbance fall under the Ancient Monument and Archaeological Area Act 1979 and offenders will be prosecuted.

“We believe that someone was in the area with a metal detector during the night, which again is illegal under the act, before digging up the land.

“We are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time who may have seen something suspicious to come forward and assist us with our enquiries.”

Anyone with information should contact the live chat facility online, or call 101 quoting crime reference number 14/105409/22.