Radar search for babies' graves

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Archaeologists are to begin using radars on Tuesday to search for graves, including those of babies and infants, at a wildlife park in west Belfast.

The Northern Ireland Environment Agency said it was asked by the Catholic Church to search land at Bog Meadows.

The land was once part of Milltown cemetery. It was bought by the Ulster Wildlife Trust some years ago.

The environment agency said the site would not be excavated due to the "sensitive nature" of the issue.

"We will not be digging up any graves that are identified," said the agency's Dr John O'Keeffe.

"The results of this investigation should help all those concerned in the future management of the land."

The survey, which is being carried out with the help of Queen's University, is due to be completed on Friday.

Relatives of babies buried in the land due to be searched believe there are hundreds of unmarked graves.

A report will be prepared by the archaeologists within two weeks of the completion of the search. It will be made public after families have been informed.