A mum whose tiny daughter died in a tragic accident has endured more heartache.

Melissa McKay is having to appeal for help in tracing the criminals who vandalised her daughter’s grave.

Melissa, 22, says she is shocked at the actions of the people who damaged Poppy Boothroyd’s beautifully kept grave at a cemetery in Almondbury.

Poppy Boothroyd
Poppy Boothroyd

The tot died aged just 21 months in January last year after accidentally being reversed over by a van driver.

Since then Melissa has been blessed with the birth of Millie but says Poppy is never far from her thoughts and visits her grave regularly.

The beautifully kept grave of Poppy Boothroyd at Almondbury Cemetery which was trashed by vandals
The beautifully kept grave of Poppy Boothroyd at Almondbury Cemetery which was trashed by vandals

She made an appeal for help via the Heart Yorkshire radio station and said she was “disgusted” by what had happened.

She said teddies and toys that were precious to her and Poppy had been thrown around and the fence around the grave attacked with something like a hammer.

She said: “I am really upset really. It’s in an absolute mess. For it to be ruined is disgusting. I would really appreciate someone coming forward.”

She added that what made it worse was having to try to explain to her six-year-old daughter Tia why the grave had been trashed.

Police say they would like to speak to anyone who has information about the incident at Almondbury Cemetery on Highlands Avenue, Almondbury which was reported at 6.50pm on Saturday, May 3.

Officers were called by Melissa who said ornaments on her daughter’s grave had been broken and fencing had been damaged.

The incident followed a previous attack on the grave the week before and was one of three in total.

Police say patrols have been increased around the cemetery following the incidents and enquiries have been ongoing by local officers.

Inspector Mohammed Rauf said: “Police in Huddersfield are aware of this issue and I have spoken with the victim.

“It is no surprise the family have been deeply upset by these incidents as I think any of us would be if memorials to our loved ones were vandalised or damaged in such a fashion.

“Enquiries have been under way and we are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed or has information about suspicious behaviour at Almondbury Cemetery on Highlands Avenue on May 3, or in the days prior to this to contact us.

“It is possible someone in the local community in Almondbury will know who is responsible and I would urge them to contact the Huddersfield Neighbourhood Policing Team on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

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