Police think schoolmates of the vandals may recognise their tags

The graves of soldiers from World War I have been vandalised at a cemetery in Dartford.

Three headstones of serving soldiers were daubed with graffiti, apparently by a gang of youths who also lit a fire near the graves.

Kent Police have described the vandalism as "a despicable crime" and are urging children to come forward if they recognise the tags.

They think classmates of the vandals will be familiar with the designs having seen them on their school books.

Security has been stepped up at the site since the attack.

The military gravestones were vandalised in East Hill Cemetery in Dartford in late April.

Offensive language

Firefighters were called to the cemetery on 22 April after reports that a small fire had been lit by a gang of youths seen climbing over a fence into the site.

The fire crew noticed the headstones had been daubed with graffiti tags and alerted Kent Police.

To see graves being desecrated is disheartening for everyone in the community PC Stephen Dingwall, Kent Police

Officers found the stones had tags saying DRAPES and FOMIE on them, alongside some offensive language.

They have since been cleaned up.

Bob Penny, recreations services manager for Dartford Borough Council, which owns the cemetery, said: "The council objects to all forms of vandalism but is particularly concerned at mindless graffiti that is targeted at memorials of those who gave their lives for the benefit of the community."

The council has promised to work alongside Kent Police to push for prosecutions where evidence is available.

PC Stephen Dingwall said: "This is a despicable crime and we are obviously very keen to find the offenders as soon as possible.

"These vandals will often use their tags wherever they go so people who know them may well have seen their tags on school books or properties close to their homes.

"We would urge people to come forward with any information that may help us bring the vandals to justice.

"Graffiti affects the quality of people's lives and to see graves being desecrated is disheartening for everyone in the community."