Police have arrested a man after a wrecking spree in a Jewish cemetery which caused £19,000 of damage.

A trail of destruction was left in the burial ground of Chatham Memorial Synagogue with headstones of loved ones smashed and knocked down last week.

The incident, which is thought to have happened between last Tuesday (August 15) and last Friday (August 18), is being treated as a hate crime.

The force confirmed it was called at midday last Friday to a report several gravestones had been pushed over and damaged in the grounds of the synagogue in the High Street.

Today, officers arrested a 41-year-old local man on suspicion of criminal damage and he was taken into custody.

Speaking earlier this week, Dalia Halpern-Matthews, a trustee of the synagogue, said the latest “heartbreaking” incident had deeply upset the tight-knit Jewish community in Medway,

She said: “It is difficult to say if it is Jewish-related. But I have not heard of any other religious buildings in the area being vandalised. It has to be targeted.”

Investigators are continuing to appeal for witnesses and for anyone with information to contact them.

North division superintendent Nick Sparkes said: “This type of crime is thankfully very rare, but has understandably caused a great deal of distress in the local community. We have spoken to those responsible for the cemetery and will continue to offer advice about crime prevention measures.

“Our officers are investigating this as a hate crime and local patrols will continue to monitor the area. If anyone has any concerns I would encourage them to speak to officers and PCSOs when they see them.

“We are still urging anyone who may have seen or heard the damage being caused, or anyone acting suspiciously in the area, to contact the appeal line. Residents or businesses with private CCTV and motorists with dashcam are also asked to check for relevant footage.”

It’s the fifth time the graveyard, which has just gained Grade II-listed status from Historic England, has been hit in recent years.

In other attacks, the CCTV cable was cut from the wall, excrement was smeared on the walls and door, and graffiti including swastikas was daubed over furniture. Lead was also stripped from the roof.

Anyone with information should call police on 01634 792209, quoting crime reference 46/152042/23. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete the online form on its website.