Vandals smash headstones and chapel windows

Vandals have damaged headstones and smashed a chapel's windows in a cemetery for a second time.

Southend-on-Sea City Council said it was working with Essex Police following the latest vandalism at Sutton Road Cemetery.

On its website, the council said the desecration was a "deeply upsetting incident that has caused distress to families, loved ones and our wider community, particularly so soon after the previous attack".

The authority said it was assessing the damage and repairs would be carried out "as quickly as was possible".

Cheryl Nevin, cabinet member for civic pride, said: "I am shocked and saddened by the senseless vandalism that has once again taken place at Southend's Sutton Road Cemetery.

"The damage caused to gravestones and cemetery chapels is utterly unacceptable and has caused understandable distress to bereaved families and residents."

The local authority said "significant damage" was also caused at the cemetery in April.

The authority has appealed for anyone who witnessed suspicious activity or has CCTV or dashcam footage to contact Essex Police.

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