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'Nighthawk' metal detectorist sought after abbey damage

News imageSouth Yorkshire Police A hole in the turfSouth Yorkshire Police
Holes appeared in the lawn at the abbey earlier this month, prompting a police investigation

AT A GLANCE

  • A police investigation was launched after a metal detectorist was believed to have been spotted at Roche Abbey in Rotherham
  • Holes appeared in the site's lawn between 3 and 4 June
  • Using a metal detector at the protected site is illegal, South Yorkshire Police said
  • Witnesses are encouraged to speak to police

A metal detectorist who damaged the gardens of a 12th Century Rotherham monastery is being sought by police.

The front lawn of the Roche Abbey ruins in Maltby was dug up overnight between 3 and 4 June, according to South Yorkshire Police.

Officers believe someone using a detector illegally was spotted at the protected English Heritage site that evening.

Police asked any witnesses, or those who had information on what happened, to get in touch.

News imageDave Pickersgill/Geograph Roche AbbeyDave Pickersgill/Geograph
Roche Abbey was founded by Cistercian monks in 1147

Those who detect illegally under the cover of darkness are often referred to as "nighthawks".

PC Nathan Winder, from the Rotherham South Neighbourhood Policing Team, said any acts of criminal damage or disturbance at the abbey fell under the Ancient Monument and Archaeological Area Act 1979.

“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.”

In 2019, holes were spotted in the abbey lawn which prompted a similar appeal by police.

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