GRAFFITI was daubed across seven headstones in an act of "mindless destruction" at St Mary's Church in Chiddingfold that police are linking to a similar attack carried out almost a year ago to the day.

Surrey Police has appealed for anyone with information about the damage, which was carried out overnight between November 25 and 26, to come forward.

Waverley Neighbourhood Inspector Tom Budd said: "It beggars belief someone would want to carry out such mindless destruction. Seven gravestones were damaged with paint and needed careful cleaning to remove graffiti.

"I am determined the heinous offenders responsible are brought to justice and I am appealing for any information which could help officers locate the criminals responsible. Someone will know who did this.

"Now is the time to come forward so that we can deal with them."

Three headstones at St Mary's erected for members of the Brazil family were damaged in an attack carried out between November 28 and December 1 last year, including one for a baby, aged nine months old, and a toddler, aged two years and three months old.

Call Surrey Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.