Vandals smashed gravestones and daubed graffiti on a chapel wall when they rampaged through a Worthing cemetery.

Stone crosses and vases were broken during the attack on Broadwater Cemetery in Carnegie Road.

The culprits fled after leaving cans of alcohol strewn around the gravestones.

The council is considering locking the cemetery at night to prevent further attacks.

Ian Rudkin, Worthing Borough Council's crematorium and cemetery registrar, said as he surveyed the damage: "There were drink cans all over the place. I just despair of the people that do this.

"We haven't had any trouble for the past few months. We had stepped up security patrols and had extra security lighting fitted.

"Why do they do it? I can't understand it. The majority of people respect the cemetery so why do the few do this?

Councillor Peter Green, Worthing Borough Council's executive member for environmental services, said they would work with police to stop a repeat.

He said: "We don't want to lock the cemetery at night because our ethos is that people should be allowed to come along to the cemetery and grieve at any time they want.

"But with this damage we are coming to the conclusion that locking may be the only way to stop it being damaged."

Cemetery staff only discovered the extent of the damage yesterday afternoon. They believe the vandals struck on Tuesday night or early yesterday morning. Many relatives of the dead did not yet know the graves had been desecrated.

Police were at the cemetery today and Inspector Paul Amoo said: "We treat crimes like this very seriously. Cemeteries should be places of peace where relatives go to think of their loved ones. They should not be worried that the graves will be damaged.

"We appeal for any witnesses to come forward."