Arrest after Scrooge gravestone destroyed

The grave was smashed into three pieces sometime between 21 and 24 November

A teenager has been arrested in connection with the destruction of a gravestone created for the Charles Dickens character, Ebenezer Scrooge.

It was smashed into pieces in November before being later repaired and West Mercia Police said the 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage.

The grave, at St Chad's Church in Shrewsbury, was used as a prop in 1980s film A Christmas Carol and remained in the church grounds afterwards, as a tourist attraction.

The teenager who was arrested has since been released on police bail as inquiries continue.

The headstone, which once belonged to a real person, was repaired by local stonemasons in December.

The West Mercia force said it believed the damage had taken place some time between 21 and 24 November.

It said the arrest was made on Monday and thanked people who had given information which had helped with the investigation.

Sgt Gary Lansdale said: "We understand the damage to the gravestone has caused concern amongst the local community, and I want to reassure the public that we are continuing with our inquiries."