The offenders vandalised the main gate office at the cemetery on Old West Road by smashing windows.

They then spray painted graffiti on four walls, ripped out a toilet and damaged numerous gravestones.

It is believed the vandals broke into the cemetery sometime over the weekend although the damage was only discovered on Monday.

The offenders also stole a brass door knocker which was fixed to the gate office.

A Kent police spokesman said the knocker dated back to the 1830s and was very rare.

Officers want to speak to anyone who may have seen a group in and around the cemetery over the weekend to contact them.