CHILDREN’s graves have been vandalised and stripped of flowers and wreaths in an Old Town churchyard.

Vandals smashed children’s toys and uprooted the gravestone of twins during a spree of destruction in Christ Church on Tuesday night.

Dozens of newly-laid Christmas wreaths and flowers left by loved ones were strewn over a path at the back of the church.

Plaques bearing the names of the dead were torn from burial spots and left lying on a path and a stone cherub was left headless.

The Rev Simon Stevenette said: “Clearly at this time of year people visit the burial ground to leave wreaths.

“This is the children’s area of the graveyard and it is particularly sensitive. We have never seen it as bad as this before. This is appalling and there is a sense of outrage. It is very, very painful.”

Mr Stevenette called for anyone with information on the vandalism to get in touch with police.

“At the weekend we had a Nativity Live event here with hundreds of children attending, but this is very distressing,” he said.

The vandals are believed to have struck sometime during Tuesday night from 5pm onwards. It follow some minor vandalism in the graveyard on Monday.

Police Community Support Officer Olly Bent said: “Obviously this is going to shock and upset a lot of people. It is disgraceful behaviour. If anyone was in the area from 5pm onwards and saw anybody in the graveyard please come forward with information.”

John Byrnes, of Eldene, was shocked to find the damage on his way to his family’s graves in the Garden of Remembrance yesterday.

“It is heartbreaking for families to see the graves smashed,” said the 67-year-old.

“I think the people responsible should be put inside and the key thrown away.

“I am disgusted. It was probably drunks as there are often beer cans left up there. It costs a lot of money to put a grave in.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the police on 0845 4087000 citing 54090106321.