HUNDREDS of pounds worth of damage has been caused to headstones in Malton Cemetery.

Police believe the vandalism has been caused by local youths who have have been congregating in the cemetery and pushed two headstones over.

PC Jane Jones of Malton Police said they had also left evidence of drink and drugs in the same location.

“The CCTV in the area has shown a young female with long dark hair riding a bright green bike,” she added.

“This female could possibly be a witness to this damage.”

PC Jones said local police officers would be patrolling the area to prevent further incidents happening.

“This behaviour is unacceptable and has caused a lot of upset in the community,” she added.

“People have been going down to the cemetery making sure the damage hasn’t been caused to their family member head stones.”

PC Jones said that if anyone knows of a young female who rides a green bike they should contact police so she can be eliminated from enquires.

“If you see a group of youths congregating in the cemetery please also contact North Yorkshire Police on 101

Mayor Malton Councillor Paul Andrews, said: “This kind of pointless misbehaviour is appalling. The perpetrators of this pointless act clearly have no regard to the distress of relatives and have no respect for the dead. I would urge anybody who has any information to help identify the culprits to come forward as soon as possible.”

Anyone with any information should contact police on 101 quoting ref number NYP-01062017-0124 or email PC Jane Jones at jane.jones@northyorkshirepnn.police.uk