Vandals desecrated the grave of a young murder victim.

More than £1,000 damage was caused as they smashed the wings off a marble angel, pushed over marble gates of heaven and defaced a picture of Jay Kensett on the headstone.

The 16-year-old's father John discovered the damage on Saturday as he paid a visit on his 46th birthday.

The attack has left Jay's family disgusted and devastated. His mother Kim called the culprits "scum".

Police have stepped up patrols in the area of Bear Road Borough Cemetery in Brighton.

They believe the attack could have occurred several days before it was discovered.

Chief Inspector Kerry Cox, East Brighton police commander, said: "We have spoken to the Kensett family and we are doing all we can to support them at this very upsetting time.

"I would ask anyone with information or who may have witnessed this incident to contact police as soon as possible.

"Extra police officers will be patrolling the area to provide reassurance to the local community."

Mr Kensett was deeply upset by the damage he found.

He has vowed he will be waiting for his son's killer when he is released from prison.

The Kensetts were distraught on the day in 1999 they watched Jay die in Whitehawk Way, Brighton, from stab wounds to his heart and lung.

Darren Mateer, 34, from Whitehawk, was jailed for life for the killing but Mr Kensett did not believe justice was done.

Jay, a promising footballer, was attacked following a celebration with friends after he scored four goals for Marina High, his former high school.

His father said: "Not a day goes by without me and Kim and our children thinking about Jay."

Mrs Kensett said: "The people who attacked my son's grave are cowards, scum.

"Jay is dead and can't do anything to harm anyone.

"I believe this was personal. No other grave was attacked. Jay's was singled out.

"We will never get over Jay's murder and every day we think of him.

"We cope with it now but no parent should outlive their son.

"Whoever did this to Jay's grave is mindless."

Anyone with information about the attack should contact Inspector Roy Apps or Inspector Paul Tomlinson on 0845 6070 999 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.