Detectives investigating the desecration of an 82 - year- old woman's grave confirmed yesterday that most of her remains were stolen. Staffordshire Police disclosed that at least two people were involved in digging up the grave of Gladys Hammond - whose family had been targeted by animal rights extremists - in St Peter's Church, Yoxall. Detective Chief Inspector Nicholas Baker told a press conference in Stafford that officers were keeping an open mind about the motive for the crime but were focusing on the obvious line of inquiry that animal rights protesters were responsible. He said: "It's difficult to find words to describe what's taken place at St Peter's Church. "It's beyond anyone's under-standing of morality and decency." Det Chief Insp Baker appealed for information from the public and for the grave robbers themselves to examine their consciences and give themselves up. The detective added: "We have now completed the forensic analysis of the grave and have also completed a detailed search of the graveyard and the surrounding areas. "Most of the remains of Gladys Hammond are missing and we can only presume that those persons responsible for the desecration have taken the remains. "Although we are maintaining an open mind, one obvious line of inquiry has to be the connection with the Hall family." Mrs Hammond, who died in 1997, was the mother-in-law of one of two brothers who run Darley Oaks Farm in New-church, Staffordshire, where guinea pigs are bred for medical research. The Hall family have been subjected to a long-running campaign by animal rights activists, suffering hate mail, malicious phone calls, hoax bombs, a paedophile smear campaign and arson attacks. Det Chief Insp Baker Baker believes that at least two people would have been required to dig up the grave and may have spent up to four hours at the site overnight between last Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. "This incident has gone far beyond anybody's understanding of what constitutes a protest," he said. "Anybody with information about where the remains are should contact the incident room or the Crimestoppers hot-line anonymously. "I would also appeal to those responsible to examine their consciences and allow the remains of a much-loved lady to be returned as quickly as possible." It is understood no message was left at the scene by the bodysnatchers and the Hall family are not thought to have received any communication explaining why Mrs Hammond's remains were targeted. Police acknowledge that such a crime is very rare and have encountered difficulty finding colleagues in other areas with any experience of dealing with a similar offence. Gavin Drake, director of communications for the Diocese of Lichfield, added his voice to the condemnation of the "vile" desecration. He admitted that a number of villagers had suffered "great distress" in being turned away from the cordoned-off graveyard after arriving to pay their respects to their loved ones. But he added: "I can assure them that the decision to cordon off the churchyard was a right and necessary one." Meanwhile, church officials announced that the Bishop of Wolverhampton, the Rt Rev Michael Bourke, and the Rector of Yoxall will hold a special service soon to rededicate the churchyard and cemetery as a place of peace. l Anyone with information is urged to contact the incident room at Stafford on 01785 218680 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. | 
