SHOCKED residents have joined forces with police in calling for witnesses after vandals desecrated a row of graves during a shameful night of mayhem.The close-knit community of Swaffham Bulbeck, near Newmarket, have spoken of their sadness over the destruction - the latest in a spate of attacks on the village cemetery.

SHOCKED residents have joined forces with police in calling for witnesses after vandals desecrated a row of graves during a shameful night of mayhem.

The close-knit community of Swaffham Bulbeck, near Newmarket, have spoken of their sadness over the destruction - the latest in a spate of attacks on the village cemetery.

Residents who arrived at the cemetery to mourn loved ones said they were sickened to find seven headstones had been pushed over.

Parish councillor Loder Bevington , who lives in the High Street, said: “It was awful - an absolutely shameful act.

“One stone had been pushed over recently but this was just too much. People are very upset and fed up. It has spoiled the whole community.

“It's just a rotten way to go on. This damage is the latest and most serious of recent attacks on the cemetery. The police have been informed and are seeking witnesses."

One relative, who did not wish to be named, said: “I don't know how people could stoop so low to do such a terrible thing. It is sad this has happened in such a lovely, quiet village. It is very sad and distressing. Not only that the damage has to be paid for by the families."

Relatives of loved ones whose headstones were targeted in the attack are being traced by the parish council while a spokesman for Cambridgeshire police said: “All criminal damage is upsetting, but more so when it involves damage to gravestones, which is particularly emotive for the families involved.”

The latest defilement of memorials comes after scrap metal thieves stole 150 bronze plaques from Cambridge Crematorium last month.

Anyone with any information should contact police on 0845 456 4564 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.