A churchyard in Croydon has had 30 gravestones destroyed by vandals over the Easter week.

Some of the graves date back 500 years in the Grade 1 listed churchyard.

The vandalism happened over three nights, including April 12, 13 and 14.

The church and its surrounding community have expressed their heartbreak on social media.

Police are now appealing for information on the incident, asking any witnesses or anyone with further knowledge to contact them on 101 quoting CAD 5429/16 April 2023.

Revd Canon Dr Andrew Bishop said in a message to the church’s Facebook page: “It has been just over a week that we discovered this horrible scene of destruction.

“Somebody has come along and smashed the headstones - some of which are up to 300 years old the burial places of people of this great town of Croydon.

“This destruction came in the very week we were celebrating the triumph of life and hope in the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

“Out of this scene of destruction pleased to be able to say and say thank you for wonderful. Kind generous messages of support, both on social media and by contacting the church directly.”

He goes on to praise Jason Perry, the executive mayor of Croydon and Sarah Jones, MP for Croydon Central as well as other members of the council and the police for their support.

He also thanks the residents of Croydon and Roland Brothers Funeral Directors for offering to help repair the stones if it is possible.

He added: “Thank you for rallying round in your support in what's been a real shock to the system for this church.

“I think in all the help in all the support that we've had, there's a great sign of hope that Croydon can come together.

“Let's not just come together for this sort of thing. Let's come together for so many things and I want to recommit this church to being a heart of that.”

Croydon MPS tweeted: “Our Grade 1 listed Church, Croydon Minster of St John Baptist has had 30 gravestones destroyed, some of the graves date back 500 years.

“This happened over 3 nights 12th April, 13th and 14th of April.

“If anyone has any information, please call 101 and quote CAD 5429/16 April 2023.”