Car crashes into Bushey Cemetery damaging nine graves

Police are appealing for information and witnesses after a car crashed into a Jewish cemetery in Bushey near Watford, damaging nine gravestones.

At around 1am today (Wednesday 21 April) a red Renault Clio left the carriageway and came to a stop in the Bushey Old Jewish Cemetery, in Little Bushey Lane.

It is believed that damage was caused to approximately nine gravestones and slabs within the cemetery.

The driver of the vehicle, an 18-year-old man, suffered slight injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.

Herts police said an investigation into the collision is on-going.

Safer Neighbourhood Inspector, Rachael Robertson, said: “Whilst this collision occurred in the early hours, I would appeal to anyone living in the area to contact us if they witnessed this incident, or events leading up to it. Did you see a red Renault Clio in the area before the incident took place?

“Obviously seeing the significant damage to the gravestones will of course be of concern to the Jewish community, and cause distress to those who are directly affected by the damage. We are liaising with the cemetery to inform them of the circumstances surrounding the incident.”

Melvyn Hartog, United Synagogue’s Head of Burial, said: “The damage caused by the car to a number of gravestones at Bushey Jewish Cemetery is very distressing. Each grave is the final resting place of one of our members and we have begun alerting relatives. We will work closely with them to ensure that the graves of their loved ones are repaired promptly.

“In addition, we are working with Hertfordshire Constabulary on their enquiries. We understand from the police that a drunk driver hit the curb at speed and rolled into the cemetery. This is a shocking incident and we are supporting the families affected.”