FAMILIES were left distraught today as it emerged about 20 Muslim graves at High Wycombe Cemetery had been vandalised.

The damage was done at the top of the Hampden Road cemetery last night – with several headstones being pushed over and grave ornaments thrown around the plots.

“Disgusted” police commander Gilbert Houalla said the vandals appear to have specifically desecrated Muslim graves.

The Wycombe superintendent added: “I am at a loss as to what was going through the minds of those involved.

“I am disgusted that these people could be so thoughtless and cowardly...

“The families who visit and attend the graves are distraught that something like this could happen and I would like to appeal directly to those responsible to think about what they have done and come forward.”

“This is not only an attack on the Muslim community but is an attack on us all.

We must now all work together to find whoever has done this.”

He said the vandalism took place between 9pm on Wednesday and 8am this morning.

Officers have pledged to do all they can to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

Anyone with any information can contact the police via 0845 8 505 505, or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.

See tomorrow's Bucks Free Press for the full story, photos and reaction.