The knocking over of headstones by people doing burnouts has deeply disappointed the manager of a Hastings cemetery.

Photo: NZ police

Garry Bowles said it was the first time he and his staff could recall people causing deliberate damage and disrespecting people's memorials.

Police said two gravestones had been knocked over and tyre marks could be seen around the area from at least one vehicle doing burnouts.

Visitors upset at the damage done at Mangaroa Cemetery on Mangaroa Road alerted police on Friday afternoon.

Photo: NZ police

A blue bumper from a car found at the cemetery would be forensically examined.

Anyone with information about the incident, or who may know of someone who has lost their front blue bumper was asked to contact the police.

The incident would be very upsetting for anyone with loved ones buried at Mangaroa Cemetery, the police said, and they would be working hard to find the people responsible.

Hastings District Council said it would pay for the two headstones to be repaired.