Up to 30 graves have been smashed up by vandals at Chatham cemetery.

Families have been left devastated by the destruction, which was discovered yesterday morning, after yobs went on the rampage at the Maidstone Road site.

Not only have headstones been damaged, but trinkets and ornaments left by loved-ones have been thrown around the cemetery and smashed up.

The yobs also went on the rampage in the children's section of the site. They tore up flowers and set alight to them as well as cuddly toys left on babies' graves.

The vandalism spree is said to be the worst the site has seen and Kent Police are investigating.

One woman, who discovered her husband’s grave had been affected, said she spoke to staff who were doing their best to clear up the damaged items and save what they could.

The woman, who did not want to be named, said: "A number of teddies and flowers from babies' graves were set alight and other possessions were smashed up.

"Ornaments on my husband's grave were smashed up too. The staff are trying their best to pick up the pieces.

"Stones have been smashed plant pots set alight - it's terrible.

"It's just despicable that they have done this. There has been vandalism before, but this is the worst that has been there. The baby section has been hit the hardest.

"I would make a plea to anyone who has a loved one buried there to get up there and see if their grave has been damaged and tell the staff at the site who are taking details to tell the police."

Zowie Colwell, from Burham, has also been affected by the vandalism as her nan's grave was damaged.

She said: "If anyone knows anything about who went in and vandalised the graves, one of which is my nan's, they should contact the police.

"It simply beggars belief that mindless vandals have carried out these terrible acts at a cemetery..." - Medway Council spokesman

"They have damaged lots of graves and no one should be able to get away with what they have caused to families who are now left to clear up."

A spokesman for Medway Council, which manages the site, said: "This is an absolutely awful thing to happen. It simply beggars belief that mindless vandals have carried out these terrible acts at a cemetery.

"This will be very upsetting for all those whose loved ones' final place of rest is the cemetery and it is particularly distressing that these people have also targeted the graves of children.

"We strongly condemn the actions of those who did this and would advise anyone who knows any details about this to contact the police."

It is believed the offence took place between 10pm on June 17 and 7.38am the following day.

Investigating officer, PC Timothy Marshall of Kent Police, said: "This is senseless and despicable vandalism and has quite understandably caused terrible distress to those who visit the cemetery to grieve.

"We are working with the families to identify damaged items and would ask anybody who may have witnessed suspicious behaviour before, during or after the incident, or who has any information, to come forward."

Anybody with any information should call Kent Police on 101, quoting crime reference number XY/18563/13.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to remain anonymous, call Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

• Has you loved-one's grave been damaged? Contact the newsroom on 01634 227830.