VANDALS have desecrated a historic cemetery in Glasgow after going on the rampage with quad bikes.
VANDALS have desecrated a historic cemetery in Glasgow after going on the rampage with quad bikes.
The gang scrambled around an area of the Necropolis, leaving it like a churned-up dirt track.
Police are hunting the culprits and have stepped up patrols in the area, while Glasgow City Council has launched an investigation.
The repair operation could cost thousands of pounds.
As seen in our pictures, the normally grassed area is now a mess of mud and tyre tracks after what looks like a sequence of wheelies.
It's thought a gang of around four struck on Saturday.
When the Evening Times alerted the city council yesterday, a team of workers was immediately sent to the historic landmark in Townhead to assess the damage.
Kenny Boyle, parks, transport and environment manager for the city council, said: "It would appear that some people with quad bikes scrambled around the Necropolis at the weekend.
"This is simply symptomatic of the anti-social behaviour that occurs in certain parks and open spaces across the city.
"This mindless destruction and vandalism goes beyond the pale when people abuse, desecrate and violate an area like the Necropolis.
"This is an area of religious and historical importance.
"It's a sacred site and is meant to be a place for tranquillity."
A police spokeswoman said patrols would be stepped up around the Necropolis.
She added: "We received a complaint regarding vandalism which happened sometime on Saturday.
"Our investigations are continuing and extra police attention will be paid to the area."
Around 50,000 people have been laid to rest at the 37-acre cemetery and 3500 tombs have been built there.
The first burial at the Necropolis, behind Glasgow Cathedral, was for jeweller Joseph Levi in 1832.
Some of the monuments, all made for entrepreneurs, were created by renowned designers including Alexander 'Greek' Thomson and Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
Last year, the Evening Times revealed how the Necropolis was to be illuminated at night in a bid to keep yobs away.
Trials of a new £160,000 lighting system were launched last October.
Council chiefs wanted to encourage local residents to visit the Gothic graveyard both night and day.
The main gates are locked at night but it is still a haven for underage drinkers and vandals.
