Grieving parents of babies whose graves have been desecrated at a Bristol cemetery say they are disgusted and shocked by the incident.

Police are examining CCTV footage to trace vandals who smashed pots and disturbed flowers and other mementoes at the graves of 150 babies.

It's like losing her all over again Melissa Luckett

It is believed camera footage shows two boys climbing over the gates into the cemetery at about 1930 BST on Saturday shortly before the graves were attacked.

Families visited the site on Monday to see the extent of the damage as cemetery workers cleared away broken toys and pots.

Paul Young, whose son Jack was still-born three years ago, said there was no excuse for such vandalism.

"My wife is seven months pregnant and the last thing she needs is this.

"I can forgive many things, but I do hope the people that did this roast in hell," he said.

'Heartbreaking' attack

Some of the graves belong to children who died after heart surgery at the Bristol Royal Infirmary.

Police found mementoes damaged and flowers and toys smashed and strewn around the baby section of South Bristol Crematorium and Cemetery, in Bedminster Down, on Sunday afternoon.

Parents have surveyed the damage

Melissa Luckett, whose daughter died of pneumonia the day after she was born, said the vandalism was "disgusting".

"It's like losing her all over again.

"Children do nothing wrong to people so why pick on them?"

Her partner Jason Long said there had been some vandalism previously but nothing as bad as this.

The Reverend John Lewis, who provided support for the parents at the cemetery, described the vandalism as "heartbreaking".

"People have suffered enough in the first place when their children died.

"Now all the wounds have been opened again and they are now going to be stabbed with pain again," he said.

Extra security

Carina Pope, whose daughter Elise's grave is at the cemetery, burst into tears when she heard the news.

"Now I just want to stay and protect her," she said.

Rob and Lisa Jacobs found the grave broken

Rob and Lisa Jacobs said visiting the grave of their daughter Alishia is the only way they have to remember her.

"It's disgusting," said Mr Jacobs.

Sergeant Patrick McGowan, of Avon and Somerset Police, said this was "an appalling and callous act."

Police are asking witnesses to come forward.

Bristol City Council is considering stepping up security following the vandalism and is offering counselling to the parents.