CEMETERY bosses at Southampton City Council have apologised after workers drove over four graves in a tractor.

An investigation has now been launched to discover why a headstone was removed, another memorial was chipped and three graves were left with tyre marks over them when workers reopened an existing grave.

The incident has shocked families who visit Hollybrook Cemetery in Tremona Road, Shirley, up to four times a week to tend graves.

Chris Terrell, 48, was one of those who arrived at the cemetery to find flowers

from her husband's grave strewn across the grass.

Father-of-four Ed Terrell died five years ago, aged just 47, from cancer.

Chris, who lives in Windermere Avenue, Millbrook, said: "I sometimes come up here four times a week to make sure it's looking nice. This is a sanctuary for people. I wouldn't even walk on someone's grave, out of respect."

The damage happened when cemetery staff had to reopen a grave so a wife could be buried in the same plot as her husband. Workers have strict procedures to follow and are told not use a mechanical digger if it means disrupting existing graves.

But on this occasion the rules were broken.

Workmen removed flowers, memorials and fences from two graves before driving over them, and even shifted a headstone.

A spokesman for Southampton City Council said: "We are very sorry for this incident and apologise unreservedly to the families and friends of those whose graves were damaged. Cemetery workers have to follow procedures for grave-digging, and it appears these were broken on this occasion.

"This will be investigated further and appropriate action taken, both regarding the staff and to check the procedures are effective and clear.

"In the meantime, the council will work quickly to put right any damage caused."