VANDALS were condemned today after daubing swastikas and anti-Semitic slogans over Jewish headstones in a Southampton cemetery.

The sickening desecration was discovered at Hollybrook Cemetery by a dog-walker early yesterday morning.

Eleven gravestones were painted with either large swastikas or writing, including the words "Southampton Nazis".

Police said a further six headstones had been pushed over. All graves targeted had been in the Jewish part of the cemetery.

Yesterday, local beat officers were working with cemetery staff and the local registrar to trace the families whose loved ones' graves had been defaced. Local Jewish community leaders had also been contacted.

Police said a creosote-type substance had been used in the attack at the Tremona Road cemetery.

Today Sgt Phil Kerr of Shirley police said: "This was a despicable attack and we would urge members of the public who witnessed any suspicious activity at or near the cemetery on Monday night to get in touch.

"We believe the substance used to daub graffiti on the headstones was brought to the cemetery by whoever was responsible for this attack, so we're particularly keen to hear from local residents or anyone walking through the cemetery or along the adjoining roads who noticed anyone carrying a container."

Investigating officers were today studying closed-circuit TV footage seized from nearby Southampton General Hospital to see if the culprits had been captured on camera.

In a statement, Southampton City Council said: "We are disgusted by this appalling act which will be condemned by all decent people in the city. We will be doing everything we can to help the police catch the criminals responsible.

"The City Council takes all reports of racist graffiti extremely seriously - although attacks of this nature are thankfully rare in Southampton - and our clean-up team was on-site within 30 minutes of receiving the report at 9am.

"The paint was removed by noon, although damage was done to the marble headstones which will need further expert attention."

Southampton Council of Faith secretary Ian Johnson also condemned the attack, saying: "I hope it is a stupid act by children, who can be caught and taught that this is not the way to behave.

"However, it if proves to be malicious rather than stupid, I hope the police are able to come down with the full force of the law."

Any information to Shirley police on 0845 045 4545, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.