ROGUE metal detectorists known as nighthawkers have been putting the safety of scheduled historic sites in the Forest of Dean at risk by illegally excavating under cover of darkness.

The Forest of Dean Buildings Preservation Trust has highlighted a recent incident of nighthawking in which detectorists have used metal detectors across the scheduled monument without landowners' permission.

Holes have been excavated across the churchyard at Lancaut Church - a scheduled monument near Tidenham where the masonry and ground within the churchyard are legally protected because its archaeology is of national importance.

It is a criminal offence to damage or metal detect at the monument and FoDBPT is working with Gloucestershire Police to identify the perpetrators.

“Uncontrolled metal detecting robs all of us of our past as artefacts are removed from their archaeological context without proper record. Digging in the churchyard is also distasteful and potentially an additional offence as human remains may be disturbed,” said Sinclair Johnston Chair, Forest of Dean Buildings Preservation Trust

Please inform the Police using the phrase Operation Minster if you know anything about this case or identify any subsequent damage or metal detecting at historic sites.