Two skulls stolen by grave robbers amid ‘sickening’ escalation in traveller families’ feud

Detectives say disturbed grave belonged to two 16-year-olds who died four years apart

Police were called to a cemetery in Metal Bridge, County Durham, after reports a grave had been disturbed (PA)

Two skulls have been taken from a grave in what police believe is a “sickening” escalation in a feud among travelling families.

Police were called to a cemetery in Metal Bridge, County Durham, on Saturday morning following reports a grave had been disturbed and a headstone damaged.

Detectives from Durham Constabulary say the grave belonged to two teenagers, who were both 16 when they died four years apart. Levi George Price died in 2001 and Gareth Price in 2005.

Forensic investigators found that the skulls of both bodies had been removed. It is believed the grave was disturbed on Friday night.

Detective Superintendent Adrian Green said: “This is a sickening incident, which has understandably upset many people.

Detective Superintendent Adrian Green described the incident as 'depraved' (PA)

“We believe that the damage to the graves is part of an on-going feud between members of travelling families.

“This has taken things too far. It is depraved and goes against the religious and cultural beliefs of decent people.

“This feud has to stop and we need anyone with information about this incident or the wider feud to contact us.”

He added: “I would like to reassure local people that we will be running regular police patrols in key areas to deal robustly with any further disturbances.

“The incidents to date have been targeted and do not involve the wider community directly.”