Gravestones damaged at St Andrews Church in Hove

Memorials in St Andrews Church in Church Road, Hove, were damaged by vandals on Saturday at about 4pm.

Pictures of the spree of vandalism show a plaque for a man named William smashed in half and gravestones overturned.

Gravestones damaged in St Andrews Church, Hove

A memorial for a woman called Alma, who died in the 1970s, can be seen on its side and another monument has been pulled off its post.

Sussex Heritage Community said: “This isn't just any damage, these actions will impact families, memories and this place of peace, this is absolutely disrespectful and shocking."

A spokesman for St Andrews Church said: “We want our churchyard to be a place of peace and a green space for the community but we seem to be losing the battle with crime and anti-social behaviour.

"With all that's happened in the past year we've had to end our gardening contract as we just don't have the funds and we're now struggling to keep the grass under control, which goes a long way to encouraging positive use of the area rather than the current drinking and drug taking.

"If anyone would like to help us win the battle and could be involved in occasional mowing, strimming or other gardening please do get in contact with us - office@standrewshove.org - our little gardening team would love to hear from you.

"And if you pray please be praying for those who let their anger out on the graves and all those in our community who feel helpless or rejected. We're here to serve them too as we try to love God and love Hove.'

In 1847, a law specifically making the desecration of gravestones a criminal offence was introduced. It was punishable by a fine “not exceeding five pounds".

Nowadays, offenders will be charged with criminal damage. A 2011 case saw an offender who caused £100,000 damage in a cemetery wrecking spree jailed for four years.