VANDALS have stolen wreaths and smashed flower vases placed on a new grave.

The family of the woman recently buried at Hipswell Cemetery, near Richmond, have been extremely upset by the desecration.

Mayor of Colburn Tom Henry, who is chairman of the joint burial committee at the cemetery, said: "I'm totally disgusted by this.

"I don't know what kicks they got out of this, but they have caused a lot of distress to the family.

"A cemetery is not a playground and if anybody knows who did this we would like to hear about it."

At least ten wreaths were stolen from the new grave, while vases and ornaments on several graves in the cemetery were smashed.

Sgt Richard O'Neil, of Richmondshire police, appealed for anyone with information about the incident last weekend to get in touch. He said: "This is not the first time damage has been caused at the cemetery. Somebody must know something."

In April this year a stolen Land Rover ploughed through a fence into the military part of the cemetery, knocking down at least ten headstones and causing £18,000 damage.

Anyone with information about the vandalism is asked to call Richmondshire police on (01609) 783131.