'Distressed' family offer reward for stolen headstone

The family have said it is "very important" to them to get the headstone back

A 'distressed' family have offered a £1,000 reward after a headstone was stolen.

Dr John Robinson said his grandfather's headstone was taken from Arnos Vale Cemetery, Bristol, between 16:00 on 29 June and 18:30 BST on 30 June.

"We believe it was stolen possibly for another grave where a headstone was needed," he added.

A spokesperson for Arnos Vale Cemetery said: "We share John’s distress at having the headstone stolen. It is such an awful thing for someone to do and is hard to comprehend."

It is made out of a light blue Yorkshire stone and was located near the top of the cemetery near the war graves.

“It’s got my grandfather's name on it, George Brunnell Rudman.

“It should be very distinctive. It’s been polished and cleaned like a brand new stone," he told BBC Radio Bristol.

"There is a footpath where pedestrians walk past. It's very close to the top war grave memorial, [by a] big long 20ft statue.

"I am offering a one thousand pound reward to anybody who can give us any information to help with the recovery of that stone. It's very important," he added.

Hard to comprehend

A spokesperson for Arnos Vale Cemetery said CCTV showed there were seven cars that accessed Richard Smith Road between 29 to 30 June.

"Our mission as a Bristol charity is to share and enhance this special place for all – Arnos Vale is a place of love and remembrance.

"We really hope this appeal reaches someone who knows about the missing headstone and it is returned," they added.

Avon and Somerset Police has urged witnesses or anyone with further information that could help their enquiries to come forward.