VANDALS have damaged headstones at a popular crematorium devastating grieving families.

Officers from Northumbria Police are appealing for witnesses after several headstones were damaged at Birtley Crematorium.

Families on social media said they were outraged by the incident and hope the suspects are caught.

One comment read: "Going down and seeing what they've done is heartbreaking - you can run but not hide forever."

A police spokesperson said: "Officers received a report a group of youths had been in the graveyard between 7pm and 8pm yesterday evening and were causing damage to a number of the headstones.

"Enquiries to locate those responsible are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact police by calling 101 quoting log 183 180719."