Dramatic photos have emerged after a car rolled onto its side and crashed into a Jewish cemetery in Bushey.
A red Renault Clio careered into the Bushey Old Jewish Cemetery in Little Bushey Lane around 1am this morning (Wednesday), damaging several gravestones as a result.
Pictures snapped a few hours later show the severity of the crash, with the Renault destroyed and on its side in the cemetery after appearing to have crashed through a bush.
The windscreen of the car was smashed and the headlights had also fallen out.
Skidmarks can also been seen on Little Bushey Lane by the crash site, although it is unclear if these were caused by the Renault.
The driver of the car, 18, suffered slight injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.
Around nine gravestones and slabs were damaged within the cemetery following the crash.
Melvyn Hartog, United Synagogue’s Head of Burial, described the crash as “shocking” and said it is supporting families to ensure their loved ones’ gravestones are repaired.
He 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.”
Hertfordshire Constabulary is investigating the crash and no arrests have been made.
Police are appealing for information and witnesses.
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.”
Information can be reported online at herts.police.uk/report or by calling 101, quoting ISR 16 of 21 April.
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