Police investigating the vandalism of Hereford County Hospital's Baby Memorial Garden have issued a fresh appeal for information and an update as enquiries continue into the "upsetting" incident.
Hereford County Hospital's memorial garden, a space created for families affected by pregnancy and baby loss, was damaged sometime between Saturday night (31 October) and Sunday morning (1 November), according to West Mercia Police.
In a new update, officers said they had received a report of vandalism at the hospital and confirmed damage had been caused to a water feature and plants within the memorial garden.
A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: "We have received a report of vandalism at Hereford County Hospital which is believed to have occurred sometime between Saturday night (31 October) and Sunday morning (1 November).
"It was reported that damage was caused to a water feature and plants in a memorial garden on the hospital grounds.
"Enquiries are ongoing."
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The incident sparked outrage across Herefordshire after damage was discovered in the Baby Memorial Garden, a sanctuary created to provide comfort and reflection for bereaved parents and families.
The garden, which opened in July 2025, features a memorial flower wall where families can place metal flowers bearing the names of babies they have lost. Overnight damage included a fountain being dislodged from its base, plants being cut and a poster being thrown across the ground.
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Following the vandalism, Wye Valley NHS Trust described the incident as "incredibly upsetting" and said the charitable project had been created with "love, compassion and the hope of providing a peaceful place for families to remember their precious babies".
In a statement, the trust said: "It is incredibly upsetting to see a place that means so much to families treated with such disrespect. The garden is there to offer comfort, peace and a place to reflect.
"The dedication and hard work that goes into creating and maintaining a space like this makes this act even more upsetting."
Despite the damage, staff and volunteers worked quickly to restore the memorial space, with the clean-up completed by midday on Sunday. The trust also thanked members of the public who offered assistance following news of the vandalism.
The memorial garden holds deep significance for many families across Herefordshire. During Baby Loss Awareness Week last year, the site was visited by Dame Sarah Mullally, who met bereaved families and hospital staff and spoke of the importance of supporting parents through "some of the darkest moments of their lives".
Questions remain over why a place dedicated to remembrance, healing and support for grieving families was targeted. Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact West Mercia Police.
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