Plea as vandals target cemetery; STAR BRIEFING.

Vandals have been knocking over memorials and disturbing flower pots at a cemetery.

Police are now appealing for information over the "totally unacceptable" behaviour. The disruption to grave sites at St Bartholomew's Church, in Benthall, near Broseley, was reported on Tuesday. West Mercia Police, in a statement, said: "Officers from the safer neighbourhood team are appealing for any witnesses that may have information regarding those responsible for anti-social behaviour that has taken place at the Benthall Cemetery. The behaviour has included knocking over personal memorials, flowers and treating the area with complete disrespect. This behaviour has caused real distress to visitors to the area and is totally unacceptable.

Benthall "Safer neighbourhood team officers have been patrolling the area and have spoken to a number of those who have been affected by this anti-social behaviour."

Anyone with information that will help identify those responsible is asked to call 101 and refer to incident 0358s of May 28.

Police community support officer Michael Watkins, of the Broseley and Much Wenlock safer neighbourhood team, said patrols would be increased in the area.