THE destruction of gravestones at Wallasey cemetery has created a wave of shock and disgust across the town.

Following the raids at Rake Lane Cemetery in Wallasey, Cllr Pat Hackett said: "What I saw shocked me to the core. Everything was smashed up as far as the eye could see. I was horrified. Some of these gravestones date back to the 1800s and they were smashed to smithereens."

Inspector John Hogan from Merseyside Police said: "Our staff were all appalled by the damage caused to so many headstones. The desecration of these graves has caused a lot of pain and distress for a large number of families in our community."

Four suspects, including two 17-year-olds from Wallasey, an 18-year old from Noctorum and a 16-year-old, have been arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage at the cemetery.

Cllr Hackett is now pressing for local people to form a Friends of Rake Lane Cemetery is a bid to deter further attacks.