Vandals have pushed over a memorial dedicated a three-year-old girl in a churchyard.

The statue of an angel was the only one of its kind in the churchyard of St Peter's Church in Ditton.

Church warden Alan Warner said: "Usually gravestones in the churchyard have to meet certain regular standards, but the parents of this little girl, back in 1951, had obtained special dispensation from the diocese for an angel to be erected in memory of their daughter.

"It is unique in the churchyard, and there will never be another."

The memorial was to Margaret Donald, who died 70 years ago. Later her parents passed away too, and they are also buried in the same grave.

Mr Warner said: "The parents had moved away, but when they were alive, they paid a stonemason to make a regular visit to the memorial and restore it as necessary.

"That is no longer happening, but someone - we don't know who - has still been caring for the grave because it has always been kept neat and tidy and free from weeds."

The memorial was discovered toppled to the ground on Sunday evening. It was last seen in one piece on Friday at noon, so it is assumed vandals struck at some time between those times.

The Angel's wing was broken in the fall and the statue has now been taken away for safekeeping and hopefully repair.

Mr Warner said because it was unique, the memorial held a special place in people's hearts.

He said: "We are seeking an estimate from a stone-mason for repairs, and will consider holding a public appeal to raise the money if necessary. Several people have suggested that."

He said: "The statue and its base are very, very heavy. It would have taken some effort to push it over."

The church and the police are now appealing for anyone who has any information on the culprits to come forward.

A police spokesman added: "Officers are investigating a report that a monument in the graveyard of St Peter’s Church in Ditton was damaged between Friday, November 5, and Sunday, November 7."

Anybody with information should call Kent Police on 01622 604100, quoting crime reference 46/227764/21.

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