Tonbridge cemetary

Dear Resident,

Some of you might be aware of a recent incident in Tonbridge which was circulated on social media platforms. Please see the below message which hopefully clarifies what is known.

Tonbridge officers are appealing for information following a suspicious incident involving a child at a cemetery.

At around 5pm on Monday 29 September 2025, a girl of secondary school age was walking with her dog through Tonbridge Cemetery when she saw a group of three men running in her direction from an entrance next to Welland Road.

It is reported the girl felt someone possibly grab her arm and she responded by running through the cemetery towards an exit for Darenth Avenue.

The child made her way home safely.

DI Zara McAiney said:

‘At this stage we have not identified any offences and there may be an entirely innocent explanation; however, we remain keen to speak to anyone who may be able to assist with our enquiries.‘ This includes speaking to anyone who may have been in the area at the time and also asking for people living nearby to check doorbell cameras or CCTV, which may show the movements of the child and other people heading towards or leaving the cemetery.‘ It is important to add that we are also aware of rumours in the community connecting this reported incident to an ice cream van which was parked next to the cemetery gates. We have established that this vehicle is not believed to be linked in any way.’

Kind regards

Phil and Jack