Vandals rampaged through a cemetery in Oldham and smashed up gravestones with a car in a 'reckless and appalling' attack.

Granite headstones were completely smashed in half and memorial crosses were knocked out of place and left strewn across the grass.

An eyewitness from the scene posted online that the Audi vehicle smashed into 'nine graves' at Greenacres Cemetery on Greenacres Road.

They said two vandals 'fled the scene on foot' after causing the damage on Friday afternoon.

The car was left abandoned in the cemetery.

Oldham Council said that police are currently investigating.

In a statement posted on Facebook, a representative from the council said: "This afternoon we were notified of an appalling incident at Greenacres Cemetery where a car was abandoned after causing damage to graves at the site.

"Police are investigating."

(Image: Manchester Evening News)

Councillor Ateeque Ur-Rehman, cabinet member for neighbourhoods services, said the council are working hard to repair the damage as quickly as possible.

He added: “This is a reckless, shocking and appalling incident and shows a complete lack of respect for our community, the deceased and their loved ones.

“I know our dedicated team of officers who look after the area will be devastated as I’m sure many residents will be."

A picture of the car was shared on the 'Spotted: Oldham' Facebook page.

Dozens of local residents commented condemning the vandals.

Gaz Jones said: "I have many family members buried at Greenacres and so do a lot of people from Oldham, disgusts me hope they are caught police should be fingerprinting the car unacceptable behaviour."

Farhana Aslam added: "So disrespectful. There's some awful people out there."

Stefan Townrow said: "This is the lowest of the low."

Greenacres Cemetery opened in 1857 on the north-west side of the Medlock Valley.

It's one of Oldham's largest municipal cemeteries.