Some 36 graves have been damaged or knocked over in a shocking spate of vandalism at a County Durham cemetery.
Durham County Council is currently investigating the damage at Pelton Cemetery in Chester-le-Street with representatives assessing the extent of the vandalism, which was reported on Monday.
The council's bereavement services team is in the process of contacting the affected families and its 'clean and green team' has begun temporarily reinstating and securing the headstones while conversations are ongoing with the families.
Neighbourhood wardens will also be carrying out increased patrols in the area. The council is also encouraging members of the public to report any information they may have to the police.
Councillor Mark Wilkes, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and climate change, said: “This is a devastating incident affecting a number of families and we are appalled that anyone would seek to cause damage to headstones.
“We are supporting the families that have been affected and are in the process of contacting them about the reinstatement of the headstones. I would encourage anyone who has information about this incident to contact the police to help them identify who is responsible.”
He added: "I'm more disappointed than I've ever been...We need to find out who has done this and we need to make sure that this can never happen again."
Lee Morris, neighbourhood inspector at Durham Constabulary, said: “We received a report of damage to several headstones from a member of the public in Cemetery House, Pelton Lane, on November 28. Enquiries are ongoing.
“Anyone with information should report it quoting incident reference 176 of November 28 via our Live Chat at 101 Live Chat (durham.police.uk) .”
Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact Durham Constabulary or report it anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers.co.uk.
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