Vandals have damaged around 20 headstones in a cemetery.
The incident took place at Birtley Cemetery, in Gateshead, on Thursday evening and it is believed a group of youths were involved.
Police have launched an investigation while Gateshead Council carry out an assessment of the damage.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: "Officers received a report a group of youths had been in the graveyard between 7pm and 8pm yesterday and were causing damage to a number of the headstones.
"Police believe they have identified those responsible but enquiries into the incident are ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact police by calling 101 quoting log 183 18/07/19."
A spokesman for the council said the incident had caused anger and upset in the community.
He added: "This is really upsetting. We share local residents' anger at this crass act of pointless vandalism.
"We have begun assessing the damage and it appears there are around 20 headstones that have been knocked over, plus other smaller items damaged."
"We have started the process of documenting the names on the headstones so we can start contacting the grave owners."
