Issues of disrespect and health have been raised after 'stinking, rotting nappies' were left littered at a military graveyard.

The unsightly waste was found at the Shorncliffe Military Cemetery, near Folkestone following a spate of anti-social behaviour, which also saw flowers pulled up and grave markers removed.

A tap was also broken, leading to water flowing for two days near the war graves.

There are also claims clothes were left to dry on the railings at the entrance of the cemetery.

A visitor, there to pay her respects to her father's memorial, said whoever is responsible has "desecrated the final resting place of our soldiers who fought to keep Britain free from the Nazis".

The visitor added: "I was appalled to find the entrance area covered in stinking, rotting nappies and associated excrement waste.

"There is also a large tank there containing some sort of brown liquid. I was beyond appalled at the putrid mess.

"There are moral, pest and disease control, health hazard and anti-social behaviour issues to address here.

"Imagine a grieving family coming to bury their loved one and finding this stinking mess.

"Our visitors from overseas coming to pay their respects - what sort of welcome is this?!"

The woman, who wishes to stay anonymous, put calls into the War Graves Commission, the Ministry of Defence (MOD), Kent Police and Folkestone and Hythe District Council after seeing the upsetting scenes.

She adds: "Why is nobody taking responsibility or doing anything?

"It doesn’t matter who the land belongs to, it is the indecency of the event."

Shorncliffe Military Cemetery belongs to the Ministry of Defence and contains 570 war graves of both World Wars.

It is an open cemetery - the pedestrian gate remains unlocked at all times and visitors are welcome all year round.

It is close to the Sir John Moore Barracks, which was recently visited by HRH Prince Charles to celebrate Kent's Gurkhas during their 25th anniversary year.

An MOD spokeswoman said: "We are aware of the presence of travellers in this area recently and that appropriate action was taken to move the travellers on from the site as quickly as possible.

"Damaging or littering in military cemeteries is unacceptable and we urge all members of the public to treat these sites with respect."

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