Memorial benches torched by vandals

Vandals piled up 14 memorial benches at a Black Country cemetery and set them on fire in an attack described by bereaved families as "devastating."

Five benches were destroyed and the others damaged in the attack at Bushbury Cemetery and Crematorium in Wolverhampton.

Each bench had a plaque on as a dedication in memory of a loved-one.

Families visiting the council-owned cemetery were in tears when they discovered the aftermath of the attack.

Wolverhampton Council today vowed to cover the £3,500 cost of replacing the wrecked benches.

One of them commemorated Richard Key, the 19-year-old son of Denise Robinson who died in a car accident in 2005.

The 51-year-old GP surgery administrator from Wednesbury said today: "This was devastating.

"We bought the bench to enable us to have somewhere for family and friends to spend time reflecting on his life and the joy he brought.

"This has been taken away by the actions of absolute idiots who have no regard for other people or their property. This is not just about burning a few benches.

"This is about the emotional trauma caused by this behaviour. "

The attack happened late on Saturday night at the Underhill Road cemetery.

A man, who asked not to be named but whose mother is buried at the cemetery, added: "It was mindless vandalism."

Wolverhampton City Council spokesman Tim Clark said the council is contacting the affected bench owners.

West Midland Police confirmed the attack was being treated as arson.