Man charged after gravestones smashed and crucifix set on fire

Some headstones have been completely destoyed

A 39-year-old man has been charged after 40 headstones were damaged and a large wooden crucifix was set on fire at a Renfrewshire cemetery.

Police were called to St Conval's on Glasgow Road, Barrhead, at around 08:50 on Sunday.

The Bishop of Paisley, Bishop John Keenan, said he was "saddened and dismayed by this senseless vandalism".

The suspect is due to appear before Paisley Sheriff Court on Monday.

St Conval's is the diocesan cemetery for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Paisley.

Bishop Keenan added: "My thoughts and prayers are with the families who have had headstones attacked, as well as with the whole community of relatives and friends who visit St Conval's and care for the graves of their loved ones so tenderly.

"My gratitude goes to the St Conval's staff who maintain the grounds and administer the cemetery and who now face the distressing task of repairing and making safe damaged graves while comforting distraught families."

The 16ft-high crucifix has been badly burned