AROUND 70 memorials at Rowley Regis Cemetery and Crematorium  have been wrecked with many having their precious contents strewn over the ground in a vile vandal attack.

Sandwell Council staff made the grim discovery of fascias ripped off graves stones and in many cases the contents scattered all over the ground in the Garden of Remembrance yesterday.

The attack follows the repeated plundering of the grave of tragic teenager Dana Baker, who committed suicide while in foster care after being sexually abused by her karate instructor.

The heartbroken parents of the 16-year-old, Patricia and Trevor Baker, from Cradley Heath, spoke to the News last week of their anguish at the thefts of tributes including a statue of an angel, flowers teddy, solar lights and personalised trinkets.

Today, Sandwell Council leader Councillor Darren Cooper condemned the latest attack and appealed for members of the public to co-operate with a police and council investigation into the crime.

He said: "This is a despicable act of vandalism and our first thoughts are with the families affected by this crime.

"Our cemetery staff are contacting relatives to let them know what has happened and we are working with the police to track down the person or people who did this."

Sergeant Cheryl Reed, from the Blackheath and Rowley Regis neighbourhood policing team, added: "This is a disgusting act of criminal damage. It seems mindless vandalism was the only motive as nothing appears to have been stolen.

"It will no doubt be very distressing for the families whose loved ones’ memorials have been attacked. We will do all we can to identify the offenders and see them punished.

"The damaged area of the cemetery was sealed off to enable forensic experts to carry out an examination of the scene, while inquiries are ongoing. I would urge anyone with information to contact Sandwell police on 101."

Concerned families can also contact Sandwell Council’s bereavement team at the cemetery, or by telephone on 0121 569 6700, between 9am and 4.30pm who will help families in any way they can.