More than 100 headstones were damaged in the attack

More than 100 headstones were damaged, including some marking the graves of babies.

Mourners arrived to find flowers strewn across the grounds and headstones broken and smashed, a Nottinghamshire Police spokesman said.

Some people who have relatives buried at Northern Cemetery in Bulwell, Nottinghamshire said they would offer a reward for information leading to arrests in the case.

Plaques destroyed

"It is disgusting really," one mourner told BBC News Online.

Steve Hallam, whose daughter's grave was vandalised, said: "The displays only have sentimental value to us, but it is sickening that they have wrecked it."

About 50 plaques were completely destroyed and more than 100 others damaged, police said.

The county is placing a private security guard at the cemetery to stop people from vandalising the graves.

The attacks took place between 0530 BST on Easter Sunday and 0800 BST on Bank Holiday Monday, but no suspects have been arrested.

Nottingham City Council said the damage will cost thousands of pounds to repair.