THE leader of Thurrock Council has condemned the vandalism that saw many ornaments, tributes and mementoes wrecked in Chadwell St Mary cemetery on Saturday night.

The trail of destruction has been widely condemned and there have been calls for the council to restart locking up its cemeteries overnight, but Cllr Rob Gledhill says the blame for Saturday's desecration does not lie with the authority.

Cllr Gledhill, who is also the portfolio holder for public protection and anti-social behavior told Thurrock Nub News: "This kind of behaviour is completely unacceptable and I urge anyone who has any information that might help the police track down those that committed this disgusting act to come forward.

"This has no doubt upset many families of loved ones who have been laid to rest here and our sympathies are with the relatives affected by this needless and thoughtless vandalism. I can confirm our officers are doing all they can to clear the damage.

"The vehicle access gates at this cemetery have been left open for over a year now to allow residents who are less mobile better access to visit at the times which suit them. The fault for this appalling vandalism lies squarely on the shoulders of the offenders who carried it out and I hope that they will be caught and punished for what they have done.

"Anyone with any information can report this to Essex Police on their 101 service, via their website or to the online police chat service or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."