Police are appealing for witnesses after the grave of a three-month old baby boy was vandalised at an Altrincham cemetery.
Officers are investigating repeated reports of damage to the grave of Alfie Gildea, the three-month-old baby boy who was killed by his father, Samuel Gildea, last September.
Samuel Gildea, 30, was sentenced to 19 years in prison after admitting the manslaughter of Alfie at Manchester Mishull Street Crown Court in March. He was found to have caused Alfie’s death after an “act of deliberate and unlawful violence which involved rigorous and violent shaking”.
Alfie’s grave is now in Dunham Lawn Cemetery in Altrincham, but since March, small toys and ornaments placed next to Alfie’s grave by his mother have either been stolen or damaged and flowers have had their heads knocked off or have been removed and thrown across the ground.
Most recently, on Sunday June 2nd, the heads of flowers placed on the grave by Alfie’s mum had been cut off and scattered around the grave.
Police are investigating these incidents and appealing for anyone with any information to get in touch.
Detective Constable Jane Naylor from GMP’s Trafford division said: “Damaging and vandalising the grave of a three month old innocent baby boy is just beyond comprehension.
“It makes you sick to the stomach. Alfie’s grieving mum has to visit the grave and see the toys and flowers she has placed by her baby’s grave stolen or damaged beyond repair. This is disrespect of the highest order.
“We are investigating a string of incidents and want those responsible to know how seriously we are taking this.
Anyone who has any information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 4081 alternatively call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
