DETECTIVES are hunting a gang of racist thugs who smashed more than thirty headstones at an Muslim cemetery in Preston.

Police were called to the graveyard on New Hall Lane shortly after 5am on Sunday (July 30) after reports of four youths running from the scene.

A preliminary house-to-house search was organised and police questioned a number of nearby residents for any information on the offenders.

DS David Jakes, from Preston police, said: "We are treating this incident as a serious racially-motivated attack.

"Four youths were seen running from the scene around 5.20am and obviously we are very keen to speak to them."

The Muslim community throughout Preston are outraged at what they call "deliberately planned vandalism" and have called on the council and the police to to tackle this problem.

Vali Patel, from Preston Muslim Burial and Welfare Society, said: "This was targeted specifically at Muslim plots clearly to enrage the emotion of the community. "There have been many similar attacks in the past, but this time it looks preplanned.

"A number of complaints have been made in the past to the police and Preston Borough Council."

Vali added: "The Burial Society is trying to have a dedicated Muslim burial place on London Road away from public thoroughfare, but the powers that be, in particular some politicians, are dragging their feet over it."

All four offenders have been described as male, white and aged between 16 and 20 years. One offender was identified as being of thin build, 5 ft 9ins tall with ginger hair.

If anyone has any information which could lead to the arrest of these four youths, call Preston police on (01772) 203203 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Pictured: A smashed Muslim gravestone