Animal rights activists are being questioned after the body of an elderly woman whose family breed guinea pigs for medical research was dug up in a graveyard. The coffin of Gladys Hammond, who died in 1997, was removed and her remains disturbed at St Peters Church in Yoxall, near Burton-upon-Trent, Staffordshire. The 82-year-olds family has been the target of protests in recent years because of its connection with the Darley Oaks Farm in neighbouring New-church, where guinea pigs are bred for research. Det Chief Insp Nick Baker said last night: It is above any issue of protest or cause. This is sick and depraved. We should just focus on that. Asked about possible links to animal rights protests, he added: It is one of the lines of inquiry we are looking into. Gladys Hammond was a relative of the Hall family who have been the subject of protests and intimidation by animal rights protesters. The officer refused to elaborate on the extent of the damage to the grave but described it as a very sensitive issue which had distressed Mrs Hammonds family. The attack, which is thought to have taken place in the past three days and has shocked the community, was condemned by the police and church leaders. The Archdeacon of Lichfield, the Ven Chris Liley, said those responsible had violated a place of peace. Once that begins to happen, a line has been crossed in civilised society, he said. The Rev Jenny Lister, who has been vicar of Yoxall for eight-and-a-half years and who conducted Mrs Hammonds funeral service, said: She was very much loved by her family. The whole thing is just sickening, the way people can do that in a sacred place. Mrs Hammonds family refused to comment on the incident. They were being supported by specialist family liaison police officers last night. The churchyard was sealed off yesterday as scenes of crime officers and forensic teams searched the area. The local coroner was informed and a protective screen was put in place to cover the grave. The church is likely to remain closed for most of the weekend. Lichfield MP Michael Fabricant expressed his disgust. He alleged it could be the latest in a long series of attacks by so-called animal rights activists on owners, workers, relatives and friends of people associated with the farm over many years. The Conservative MP said: This is one of the sickest things I have heard of in recent years. Last night Sarah Dixon, of Save Newchurch Guinea Pigs, a group which carries out weekly protests outside the farm and has carried details of attacks on the family on its website, denied any involvement in the incident. She said: This is certainly nothing to do with Save Newchurch Guinea Pigs campaign. I dont know who would do something like this. We report things that happen on our website both good and bad like a newspaper does but it doesnt mean we condone them. We certainly would not condone this. | 
