MEMORIALS to a family who helped form Ramsgate Football Club have been desecrated.

Three heavy cement headstones marking the graves of the Weigall family were tipped over at the St Lawrence graveyard in the town.

More than 10 headstones at the burial ground are thought to have been tipped over in the past few weeks.

Police community support officer Andy Howe said: "This is a family who did a lot for the town, and this is how they are repaid.

"It would have taken a group of people to tip the headstones over because they are so heavy."

Henry Weigall (1829-1925) and his wife Lady Rose Weigall (1834-1921) donated the Southwood ground to Ramsgate Town, now known as Ramsgate Football Club.

Mr Weigall was an eminent artist with paintings in the town’s St George’s Church. His wife was a literary editor and social worker.

Their memorials had just been refurbished using money from a trust left to the church.

PCSO Howe said: "They would have cost tens of thousands of pounds. For them to be tipped over is sickening.

"Unfortunately graveyards are a haven for crime, from anti-social behaviour to under-age drinking and drug abuse."

The vandalism is believed to have taken place on Wednesday, September 19, or Thursday, September 20.

Anyone who knows anything or saw anything, is asked to call PCSO Howe on 07772 225969 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.