Bereaved families have been left "incredibly distressed" after vandals damaged floral tributes and removed wooden crosses in a city cemetery.

Norwich police have confirmed plans to increase the number of patrols in Sprowston Cemetery, in Church Lane, off the back of a series of complaints sent to the town council.

Flowers and wooden crosses have been removed and left strewn around the site - while one particular incident in early July saw a large floral tribute damaged.

Norwich Evening News: Sprowston CemeterySprowston Cemetery (Image: Google Maps)

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A spokesman for Sprowston Town Council confirmed the authority had installed a CCTV camera in the cemetery to deter future bouts of vandalism.

"These heartless acts are incredibly distressing for bereaved families and immensely disrespectful to the deceased," they added.

"Subsequently, the local police have patrolled the area more frequently and the town council has installed CCTV in the cemetery.

"No further incidents have been reported, but we are monitoring the situation and we ask any members of the public who witness anything suspicious to please contact the council office on 01603 408063."

The cemetery is alongside St Mary and St Margaret's Church, where vandals caused significant damage in April 2022, resulting in CCTV being installed.

Norfolk Constabulary said the area had been made a priority by Sprowston beat manager PC Graham Gill.

The cemetery is adjacent to the Barkers Lane playing fields and has minimal through traffic due to Church Lane being closed to vehicles beyond the entry to the allotments.

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Norwich Evening News: Police have confirmed they will be increasing the number of patrols in the areaPolice have confirmed they will be increasing the number of patrols in the area (Image: Newsquest)

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The police spokesman continued: "PC Gill was made aware earlier this month of concerns regarding vandalism in Sprowston Cemetery, which included flowers and crosses being thrown around.

"High-visibility and plain clothes patrols have been a priority in the area for PC Gill since the reports, and this will continue for the foreseeable future.

"If you witness any suspicious behaviour, or have information that could help identify the suspects involved in this vandalism, please email Graham.Gill@norfolk.police.uk or call us on 101."