This is the second attack on a Jewish cemetary in Southampton

The headstones at Hollybrook Cemetery were covered with anti-Semitic graffiti, while several other graves had been pushed over some time 1600 Monday and 0700 BST Tuesday.

The swastikas were still clearly visible on Wednesday afternoon, despite council efforts to remove them from the marble.

A spokesman for the council said they had done all they could with the equipment they had, and it was no longer their responsibility.

The paint proved difficult to remove

"We have a policy to remove offensive, racist graffiti as soon as possible, but we don't own the headstones - they are owned by the families concerned", he said.

He said it would require a stone mason to remove the paint that had soaked into the marble.

This is the second attack on Jewish graves in Southampton in less than a year, after graves were attacked at the nearby Southampton Common cemetery.

Hampshire Police said officers were liaising with cemetery staff and the local registrar to trace families whose loved ones' graves were defaced.

Sergeant Phil Kerr, who is investigating the incident, said: "This was a despicable attack.

"We would urge members of the public who witnessed any suspicious activity at or near the cemetery on Monday night to get in touch."