VANDALS have gone on the rampage through an East Lancashire cemetery, desecrating graves and pushing over headstones.

And police who suspect drunken youths were responsible for the damage - who sent an empty bottle of cider for forensic analysis in a bid to catch the culprits.

The vandalism was today condemned by officers and community leaders.

Around 14 headstones, mostly dating from the early 20th century but one from the 1970s, were damaged in the attack.

The headstones were pushed over in the cemetery off Brunswick Terrace in Bacup sometime between Friday evening and Saturday morning.

Police have now launched an investigation into the incident, which councillors said was the latest in a long line of vandalism at the site, which is looked after by Rossendale council.

They have condemned the mindless vandalism' and pledged to do their utmost to find those responsible.

Stacksteads Police Community Support Officer Nick Stratton said: "We do have some lines of enquiry, including a couple of witnesses and some items we have recovered from the scene, such as the cider bottle, which are being examined by forensic experts."

Community Beat Manager PC Alex Downham said: "I am absolutely appalled at the damage. There is simply no excuse for it and the people responsible should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves.

"If anyone has any knowledge of this incident, I would urge them to search their conscience and come forward. Likewise if anyone saw or heard anything suspicious then we'd like them to come forward too."

Stacksteads councillor Michael McShea said: "Unfortunately this has happened several times in the past and the council have had to go in and make repairs. It is just mindless vandalism and how the people who do this can find it amusing is beyond me. It must be very distressing for the families of anyone who is buried in the cemetery, which is a popular spot for people to visit."

A Rossendale council spokesman said "This is a disgraceful act of vandalism and destruction. We will be working closely with the police to find ways to crack down on the anti-social behaviour which is behind incidents like this. The council will carry out any essential maintenance work to ensure the headstone are made safe and not a danger to the general public using the cemetery. "

PC Downham added: "Information can be shared with the police directly, it can be given to me or if people feel the need, they can call Crimestoppers free and in confidence on 0800 555 111."

Did one of the damaged graves belong to a family member? Call the Newsdesk on 01254 678678.