A WIDOW has spoken of her devastation after finding her husband’s grave wrecked by vandals.

Patricia Back was heartbroken when she discovered the scene at the memorial to husband Alan.

The 58-year-old, from Ingram Crescent East in Hove, has appealed for those who committed the “horrendous” act to come forward.

Mrs Back went to the grave in Hove Cemetery North with her daughter Emma and found the headstone chipped and pushed forward, a heart statue pulled from it and ornaments and plant pots left by Mr Back’s grandchildren trampled on.

An unknown white substance had been smeared across the grave.

Mrs Back said she was still not certain whether the headstone, which was only put in place a year ago, was still under guarantee or whether she would have to pay for repairs.

She said: “We walked up to the grave and found it ransacked, it looked like it had been vandalised. It’s just awful, it’s heartbreaking.

“I’ve no idea why they just did our grave, we have got no enemies. Whether it was kids or not, I just don’t know.

“I just want them to come forward and admit it. I would not want to see this happen to anybody else’s grave.”

Mrs Back said she visits up to three times a week after her husband died aged 62 in 2010 but had not been able to make it to the graveside for around a week since putting down flowers to mark their 41st wedding anniversary.

She said: “I didn’t go last week because I still have my good days and bad days with depression and anxiety. I’ve found it hard not having Alan around and this has put me back.”

A Brighton and Hove City Council spokeswoman said: “We are concerned about the vandalism to Mr Back’s gravestone and police have been informed. This is the first report of deliberate damage to a grave we have had for nearly five years in Hove North Cemetery.

“We are aware of a missing upright post in the wrought iron perimeter fence. Work to repair it will be a priority.”