POLICE chiefs have hit out at heartless vandals who daubed graffiti on headstones in a historic Wirral cemetery – just months after it was the target of a similar act of anti-social behaviour.

Several graves at Flaybrick cemetery were defaced in recent days with offensive messages scrawled across them.

It is the second time the cemetery, which was established in 1864, has been the target of vandalism, with more than 150 graves damaged in May – damage Wirral Council has estimated will cost in the region of £300,000 to repair.

Chief Inspector Dave Westby said patrols have been increased in the Bidston and reassured the community that the force is working closely with partner agencies to tackle all forms of anti-social behaviour.

He said: “The community have raised concerns about incidents of criminal damage and groups of young people drinking in the area in the last few months.

“We are treating this as a local policing priority and will do everything possible to identify the offenders and resolve these issues.

"Although police were not called about the recent damage caused in Flaybrick Cemetery, we recognise that such incidents can cause real distress to local residents and I am sure the community will agree this type of behaviour is unacceptable. “

The graffiti was discovered by dog walkers and reported to the local authority, which has been carrying out a programme of repairs at the site following May’s spate of vandalism.

While the more recent vandalism has caused outrage, Wirral Council believes the cost of cleaning the graffiti will cost hundreds, rather than thousands of pounds.

Councillor Chris Meaden, cabinet member for leisure, sport and culture said: “There are no words to describe the kind of people that break into a cemetery and carry out such mindless vandalism. “

While the main cemetery gates are locked each night and the area regularly checked by community patrol officers throughout the night, it is believed the vandals gained entry through an unsecured gate.

Cllr Meaden added: “On this occasion it appears that four headstones have had graffiti painted onto them and we are in the process of arranging for these headstones to be appropriately cleaned and restored.”

Anyone with information about incidents of anti-social behaviour should call the local neighbourhood policing team via the 101 number or through Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.