GRAVES at a Hampshire cemetery have been spray-painted for the second time in as many weeks.

Police say about 12 gravestones at Anns Hill Cemetery were defaced between 4.30pm yesterday and 8am today.

It follows a similar incident earlier this month.

Writing on social medial Gosport Police said: "We are aware that gravestones in Anns Hill Cemetery have again been damaged with spray paint.

"Officers are continuing to investigate and have been at the scene within the last two hours. We will be patrolling in the area over the coming days.

"We totally understand the anger, frustration and upset which will be felt by the victims, as well as the wider community.

"We share in that anger, frustration and upset. This unacceptable damage will not be tolerated and we will be doing everything we can to find those responsible.

"We'd also like to place on record our huge thanks to those who were already cleaning graves in the cemetery when we arrived this morning.

"None of these volunteers are victims themselves, but they were all working hard to clear the damage before the relatives next visit."

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman told the Daily Echo: "We can confirm that we have received reports of criminal damage to a number of gravestones in Anns Hill Cemetery.

"Approximately 12 gravestones have been defaced and damaged.

"This is the second time in as many weeks that an incident such as this has happened and our officers are continuing to investigate, in order to identify the offenders."

Anyone with information can call Hampshire police on 101, quoting crime reference number 44210105462.