Some angry relatives are removing the supports

The plans follow threats to staff at Torbay cemetery after temporary supports were put on some gravestones to prevent them falling down.

Families with unsafe stones are being told they must be made safe or they will be laid flat.

But the measures have upset bereaved families in Torbay and some relatives have been ripping the supports out.

Legislation to protect gravestones was introduced after children in Liverpool and the Wear Valley were killed by gravestones toppling over.

Torbay Council is reminding the public that removing the supports is illegal and dangerous.

It says threats to graveyard staff cannot be tolerated.

Spokesman Colin Charlwood says the council does not particularly want to prosecute grieving relatives.