A teenager has been arrested after the gravestone of the famous Charles Dickens' character, Ebenezer Scrooge, was destroyed in Shrewsbury.

A 15-year-old boy was arrested yesterday (Monday 27 January) on suspicion of criminal damage in connection with the incident in November last year.

The teenager has since been released on police bail as enquiries continue.

It’s believed the gravestone, which was broke into three pieces, was damaged between Thursday 21 November and Sunday 24 November, 2024.

Sergeant Gary Lansdale, from Shrewsbury’s Town Centre Team, said: “I would like to thank the public for providing us with information that has helped our investigation.

“We have carried out a number of enquiries since the criminal damage was reported to us in November, and yesterday made an arrest.

“We understand the damage to the gravestone has caused concern amongst the local community, and I want to reassure the public that we are continuing with our enquiries and will update when you when we are able to.”

The grave is located at St Chad’s Church in Claremont Hill and was used as a prop in 1980s film A Christmas Carol.

Once filming was completed the inscribed stone used as Ebenezer Scrooge’s grave remained in the church grounds and has since become a popular tourist attraction within the town.

Anyone who may be able to help with ongoing enquiries is asked to contact the Town Centre Team by emailing shrewsburycentral.snt@westmercia.police.uk quoting incident number 288i of November 24, 2024.

Alternatively, if you have information but don’t feel comfortable speaking to police, you can speak to the independent charity Crimestoppers. It is 100% anonymous, they never ask your name, and they cannot trace your call or IP address. You can contact them online or by calling 0800 555 111.