RAMPAGING wild boar have ripped up the graveyard in Parkend Parish Church - for the second time in a week after breaching a perimeter wall.

But Rev Philippa Brunt, Vicar of St Paul’s Church, was quick to allay fears that the feral boar had been digging up graves, as reported in some of the media.

“There is no suggestion that they have been trying to dig up actual graves. They have been rooting in the top layers of turf for worms, or whatever food they are looking for, and moved on.

“The damage is quite extensive and although the churchwarden and her husband have been working hard to tread down the turf back in place.”

The boar struck last week, when someone coming to lay flowers at a grave discovered the carnage, and they returned on Monday night this week for another attack.

Dave Kent clerk for West Dean Parish Council which is responsible for the maintenance of the ‘disused’ part of the graveyard said: “We are investigating the extent of the damage and how the boar gained access and will be reporting to next Wednesday’s meeting of the parish council.

“We will be looking at ways to make the area more secure against invasion by the boar.”