The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has launched an investigation and is appealing for public assistance after headstones were deliberately smashed in a church graveyard on Cushendall Road, Ballymena. The incident was reported on Monday afternoon, 21 July.

Chief Inspector Tate stated: "We received a report on Monday afternoon, 21st July, that headstones had been smashed at a graveyard located on the Cushendall Road."

It was reported that a teenage male entered the graveyard to carry out the "appalling act of criminal damage" before fleeing down Cushendall Road shortly before 13:45. The individual is described as having black hair and believed to have been wearing a white coat.

Chief Inspector Tate condemned the vandalism, highlighting the profound impact on affected families. "The damage caused to the graves shows a total lack of respect and is very upsetting for grieving loved ones, when a graveyard is meant to be a place for quiet reflection to pay respects," he said.

Police enquiries into the incident are ongoing. Officers are urging anyone who witnessed suspicious activity in the area between 13:00 and 14:00 on Monday or has any information that could assist the investigation to come forward.

Information can be provided to the PSNI on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 806 of 21/07/25. Alternatively, reports can be submitted online via the PSNI's non-emergency reporting form at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport, or anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.