Work begins to repair vandalised gravestones

The gravestones were toppled and smashed back in July

Work has started to repair gravestones vandalised at a cemetery in Warwickshire.

Twenty-two headstones were found toppled and smashed at Leamington Spa Cemetery, with damage estimated at £4,000, in July.

Contractors have begun restoring and repositioning the majority of the crosses and headstones that had "literally been kicked to the ground", Warwick District Council said.

Community wardens would maintain an increased presence in the area to reassure those visiting the graveyard, the council added.

Specialist stonemasons have been commissioned by the council to repair historic family memorials, but some of the memorials were beyond repair.

Councillor Will Roberts said: {The incident} has not only been deeply upsetting for our local community but has also led to the needless diversion of £1000s of Council Tax payers’ money."

Warwickshire Police and Warwick District Council continued to appeal for anyone with information to come forward.