by Alex McGuinness

A mother whose daughter died at birth has spoken of her horror at finding a memorial bench defaced with racist graffiti.

Zowie Darling, 25, who lives in Bull Lane, Newington, went to the burial site of Tilly Rose at Chatham Cemetery on Friday and made the discovery.

She has now reported the incident to Kent Police, whose officers visited the Maidstone Road site to gather evidence.

The case has been passed to the force's race hate unit.

Zowie said: "I'm livid, I'm still angry now. It's really upsetting to think that someone can go into a cemetery and do that.

"They know that she is a baby, it says it on the bench and grave. I'm horrified. The bench cost me £750 and it's opposite the grave."

She said this is not the first incident involving the grave and bench.

"Two weeks ago I put 11 lights on the grave and now there's five left. I just want it all to stop, it's a place for people to rest."

Offensive messages, including swearwords have been daubed on the bench, along with Tilly Rose's name and other names.

A Medway Council spokesman said: "Theft of any kind is disgraceful, but theft from a cemetery is unforgivable. The vandals have also scrawled 'kill you' on the memorial seat.

"Anyone who is aware of any criminal activity should report the matter to the police.

"Sadly, we have to advise people that they should not leave anything of worth or sentimental value in any public place, including cemeteries."

Tilly died at Medway Maritime Hospital last July, most probably because of a knot in her umbilical cord.

Zowie has since raised almost £10,000 for two foetal heart monitors to be used at the hospital so that more pregnant mums can be monitored.