The desecration of 70 headstones at a Jewish cemetery in Manchester has been condemned.

Dozens of graves were vandalised in Urmston Jewish Cemetery causing up to £100,000 worth of damage.

Cllr Heather Fletcher and Mohammed Amin, Forum Co-Chairs said, "The Muslim Jewish Forum of Greater Manchester 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."