TREASURE hunters who raided an archaeological dig may have taken away or destroyed vital historical evidence, it has been claimed. Archaeologists have been labouring for months on earthworks on the north east side of Caergwrle Castle Hill, near Wrexham, trying to date the ruins there. However, it has now emerged that metal-detector enthusiasts have been exploring the site and may have removed important finds. The concerns have been voiced by Hope councillor Dave Healey, who has been asked to highlight the problem by archaeologists. Mr Healey said: "For all we know, the raiders may have taken a crucial piece of evidence which could have solved the mystery." Mr Healey said the behaviour of the metal-detector enthusiasts contrasts sharply with the actions of the three Liverpool men who recently unearthed Bronze Age treasure near Rossett, Wrexham, and went to great lengths to protect the site and co-operate with archaeologists. "This was a case of doing things the right way," said Mr Healey. "The landowner was informed. It was not a site undergoing excavation and the finds are in a museum. "My concern is that this 'find of a lifetime' has encouraged a get rich quick attitude which has no regard for heritage." He added: "Taking finds from a site without asking permission from the land owner must be viewed as theft." Excavation work at the Caergwrle site is being carried out by the Wirral and North Wales Field Archaeology group, which is led by Felicity Davies, archaeology tutor at Wirral Metropolitan College. She said: "They pulled down walls and messed up the place. It took a whole day to straighten out. "We don't know what they might have taken away. It's just stupid ignorance." | 
