HEADSTONES have been vandalised for a third time at Urmston Jewish Cemetery in what police are calling a hate crime.

Officers are studying CCTV following the latest attack of its kind in a matter of weeks, which has left up to 30 headstones strewn across the cemetery grounds.

Last month there were two incident reported where up to 22 headstones were subjected to similar treatment.

Co-chairmen of the Muslim Jewish Forum of Greater Manchester Cllr Heather Fletcher and Mohammed Amin said: “We are deeply saddened to learn that, for the third time in a month, Jewish gravestones in Urmston Cemetery have been badly vandalised, causing almost £100,000 worth of damage.

“The desecration of the last resting place of our loved ones is done to hurt and offend the living. It is an appalling act, usually carried out by bigots.

"Sadly, it has happened all too often in both Jewish and Muslim cemeteries in recent years.

“We hope that the perpetrators are found and brought to justice as soon as possible, and we encourage all citizens to give the police as much assistance as possible. Such depraved, racist and hurtful behaviour has no place in our society.”

Trafford executive councillor Joanne Harding tweeted yesterday: “Just been to inspect Urmston Jewish Cemetery with care taker.

“Imagine going to see your relatives’ graves and find it trashed and disrespected.

“Thousands of pounds worth of damage . Meeting police to review security."

Greater Manchester Police told the Jewish Chronicle that the cases “are being treated as hate incidents".

The GMP spokesman added: “No arrests have been made. Officers are investigating CCTV footage to identify offenders and patrols in the area have been increased.”