Police say they have been left sickened by yobs who have repeatedly vandalised a graveyard.

Vandals have used bricks to smash graveside ornaments, including vases and figurines, at Idle United Reformed Church.

Church secretary Graham Carter said families of the deceased had been left distraught by the attacks.

He said vandalism of the church and graveyard in Westfield Lane had been escalating over the past couple of years.

He said: "It started with stones being taken, then they were taking the slabs from the tops of graves. Just before Christmas they left us with about £1,700 of broken glass, that's how much it cost to repair and put up plastic sheeting. It's really despicable."

Councillor Jeanette Sunderland (Lib Dem, Idle and Thackley), who lives next to the church, has been in contact with families who have been affected.

She said: "It is clearly distressing that this sort of mindless vandalism takes place in what is a public space and a private space. The families have been distressed at what has happened.

"While these ornaments do not have a huge monetary value, they will have a huge emotional value to the people concerned."

Neighbourhood Policing Team officers are investigating the incidents and have stepped up patrols in the area throughout the day and night.

Sergeant Helen Brear, of the Bradford North team, said: "We are horrified and appalled by the incident. This is a place where people go to grieve.

"We will not tolerate this and will be taking action against those individuals. We are asking for members of the community to contact us with information."

Anyone who has information about the identity of the vandals should contact Sgt Brear on (01274) 376059.

e-mail: nishika.patel@bradford.newsquest.co.uk