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Owners of a cemetery in Cambridge are scratching their heads after not being able to find out who is knocking over historic gravestones during a spate of vandalism.

The Mill Road Cemetery, a Grade II listed English Heritage site in the city, has seen a spate more than 30 gravestones destroyed over the past week or so.

Some of the gravestones had been pulled up from the ground, whereas others - some of which were more than 100 years old - had been broken.

People believe the incident could be being caused by a particular person - but they are struggling to catch them in the act.

Diana Cook, a spokeswoman from the Parishes Committee, who represents the owners of the land, said members of the public are encouraged to take photographs of people who might be seen damaging the monuments.

She said, on behalf of the committee: "We are very sad to report that there has been a recent spate of damage to monuments in Mill Road Cemetery.

"Many members of the public have also noticed the damage and been in touch.

"It is an upsetting time but the police have been informed and we have regularly updated them in relation to further incidents.

"They have now increased their patrols in the cemetery and ask that members of the public should immediately dial 999 if they notice any suspicious behaviour.

"The police have also requested that witnesses should take a photograph of anyone they see damaging monuments, if they can do so without endangering themselves.

"This information should then be passed immediately to the police by phoning 101."

Police also issued an appeal after the gravestones were damaged. They say that approximately 30 have now been damaged.

The first lot, a total of 12 gravestones, were damaged the week prior to July 8.

Members of the public however reported more.

PCSO Anthony Marriott said: "This is mindless damage and disrespectful to the deceased and their loved ones.

"We would like to urge members of the public to report any suspicious behaviour in and around the cemetery to police."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting 35/47659/19 or report online at www.cambs.police.uk/report . Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org