The damaged headstones, flowers and other graveside items were found by staff at Thorntree R C cemetery on Monday morning.

It is believed the vandalism was carried out over the weekend.

Middlesbrough Council said they were now looking to step up security.

But Kathleen Jones, whose daughter's grave was one of those vandalised, said it was too little, too late.

"There is no security. There is a little fence but they just climb over.

"There are always children running around, playing football, and climbing on the stones. There is no security at all."