POLICE today stepped up patrols at a cemetery under siege by vandals after a child's grave was desecrated for the second time in three weeks.

Officers investigating the latest attack at Colne Cemetery have been left sickened after the headstone was daubed with the words "eat" in marker pen and "dirt" in mud.

Nearby graves were also plundered for flowers and wooden crucifixes which were thrown at the memorial.

The family of six-year-old Cherie Hardy, who died in 1997, were too upset to speak about the incident today but have told police they know no reason why the grave has been targeted.

Less than three weeks ago the family were devastated when the child's grave was attacked for the first time, when the immaculate marble headstone was also defaced with a black marker pen.

Sergeant Vicki Haworth, of Colne Police, said: "It is hard to believe that someone would do this to a child's grave but to discover that it has been targeted twice has been heartbreaking for the family."

Sgt Haworth said police were so concerned about the attacks that they are to increase patrols in the area.

Officers are also are liaising with Community Wardens in Colne in a bid to try and improve security at the cemetery, in Keighley Road,.

Sgt Haworth added: "We would urge anyone who has seen anything or has been present when this has happened to contact us immediately. We are keen to catch whoever is responsible as quickly as possible because of the despicable nature of the crime."

Pendle Council's Head Park Ranger, Allan Hammett, said he was also disgusted by the vandalism.

He said: "Whatever you say about these people, it would be an understatement. They are

morons. I have seen lots of vandalism, but this goes beyond reason."

The Bishop of Burnley, the Right Reverend John Goddard, said his prayers were with Cherie's family.

He said: "The death of a child is always terribly traumatic and the grief takes a long time to heal.

"My sorrow and prayers are for the parents and family facing this vandalism. The Christian hope is of resurrection and therefore though the grave is very important to us, beyond the grave Cherie will have peace."

Anyone with any information about the incident, which occurred between the hours of 4pm on Saturday and 8.30am on Sunday, can contact Colne Police on 01282 472420 or the confidential Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555 111.