Warwickshire Police has today (July 11) launched a public appeal after 22 gravestones were destroyed at Leamington Spa Cemetery on Saturday (6 July).

The vandalism at the Brunswick Street site was announced by Warwick District Council yesterday, with £4,000 worth of damage reported.

The incident is believed to have happened before the cemetery closed for the night at 8pm and now the police is asking for witnesses to come forward.

The gravestones targeted were near the Windmill pedestrian gate and were particularly old.

Some were completely smashed while others were pushed over or otherwise damaged.

(image via Warwick District Council)

(image via Warwick District Council)

Sergeant Trent McMurray said: “This was a particularly callous and cruel act of criminal damage.

“Those responsible would obviously be distraught if someone damaged the headstone of one of their loved ones – but they believe it’s acceptable to do that to others.

“We are absolutely not going to tolerate this disgusting behaviour in our community.

“We are working hard to trace the offenders and we look forward to holding them to account.”

Warwickshire Police along with the council's wardens have provided an increased presence in and around the cemetery, to provide reassurance to residents visiting and walking in the grounds.

Signage will indicate where the damage has occurred, both for health and safety and in case it prompts a recollection of any activity in that area on Saturday that might help to catch who is responsible.

(image via Warwick District Council)

In a statement from the local authority yesterday, Cllr Will Roberts, portfolio holder neighbourhood services said: "We are shocked and saddened to see such mindless vandalism in the cemetery and we are doing all we can to preserve and make safe the damaged gravestones, which will cost just under £4,000.

"Sadly, several have been destroyed beyond repair, which we know will be upsetting for visitors to the cemetery to see.

"This is not just about the physical damage, but also the history and heritage of the families in our community which cannot be replaced.

"I would like to thank those of you who have shared information with us so far, we appreciate your support and sincerely hope this is an isolated incident."

(image via Warwick District Council)