Woman knocked out and thrown into grave

Police are probing claims a North council worker was knocked unconscious by two cemetery staff who then dumped her in an open grave. The woman was allegedly left in the 6ft deep burial pit by the gravediggers, and had to call for help on her mobile phone before she could get out. The alleged victim was left so stunned by the suspected morbid prank she had to be taken to hospital to be treated for shock.

Police have confirmed two men, aged 51 and 47, have been arrested on suspicion of causing assault occasioning actual bodily harm following the incident, in Berwick, Northumberland. A woman who has close links to the cemetery, but asked not to be named said: “What we’ve heard is shocking.



“Apparently the woman was stuck in the grave and had to call for help because it was so deep. I heard there had been some sort of ongoing argument with the gravediggers but I don’t know hat it’s about. I’m glad the woman was OK, but I can understand why she was so shaken. It must have been a horrible feeling being stuck in that grave.”

Northumberland County Council refused to give any more details about the incident but said looking after its staff was top of its agenda. The attack is alleged to have taken place at Tweedmouth Cemetery, at 8.10am, on Monday. Police were called and later tracked down the two suspects, who remain on police bail.