Mystery as woman’s grave appears overnight next to her late mother

Mystery surrounds a small church graveyard after a reverend discovered a new headstone had appeared overnight, without an official burial ever being recorded.

Brit Rev Ian Walters is calling for answers after discovering the mysterious grave in the grounds of St Margaret’s in Lincolnshire. Having first found it over Christmas, he now fears he may have to call the police and have it taken down if no-one steps forward, The Sun newspaper reports.

According to the media outlet, the new stone commemorates Eunice Eales, 83, who is claimed to have died in 2011. It was placed alongside the gravestone of a woman who is said to have been her mother, Lavinia Birch, who died aged 38 in July 1929.

The inscription on the new headstone, which reportedly has bright red and pink primrose plants alongside it as well as new gravel, reads: “A much loved Mum/Eunice Eales/1928-2011/Finally reunited with her own mother Lavinia.”

Rev Walters says there are no official burial records for Eunice, leading to worries she’s been secretly buried there, or something more sinister has happened. He revealed it’s illegal for anyone to place any form of memorial in a graveyard or cemetery without permission.

Read more: NSW government to ‘reuse’ burial plots after 25 years

“It has suddenly appeared from nowhere and it would be a very convenient way to get rid of a body. We have had no paperwork on this,” he told the publication. 

He said, if no-one comes forward soon, they’ll have no choice but to contact police and have the grave removed. He’s got the backing of the local council, as Quadring Parochial Church Council have placed a written warning by the plot which reportedly says: “This stone and gravelled surface/surround has been inserted without any permission or approval and is contrary to the Churchyard Regulations Act.

“Unless permission is sought for these by 31 March 2018 application may be made to the Diocesan Chancellor for their removal.”

While the deadline has passed, Rev Walters has admitted he’s reluctant to take the matter further as he still hopes the family will come forward.

Now, local residents have expressed their surprise that no-one has claimed responsibility, as it’s such a small community living in the area – many of whom know each other.

Do you think this should be referred to the police to be investigated?