WAR veterans say yobs who desecrated graves should be put in the Army to teach them some discipline.

Sixteen gravestones and a marble cross were knocked over by four hooded youths, believed to be aged between 16 and 18.

According to residents, the council-run graveyard in Watling Street, Dartford, has become a magnet for yobs.

Now members of the Dartford British Legion, Green Street Green Road, say it is time to get tough.

Former paratrooper Danny Gibbs, 84, is calling for the reintroduction of National Service.

The great-grandfather of eight, who was in the Parachute Regiment for 15 years, said: "They need to be taught a lesson. It makes me sick.

"They have no respect at all."

Club president Les Hunt, 78, who served in the London Scottish Regiment, said: "In my day they would have been given a bloody good hiding or a few strokes of the birch.

"I blame the parents. Respect begins in the home. Nowadays the kids just do what they like.

"I've got four grandsons. One is 16 and another is 18. There is no way they would do anything like this as they have been brought up properly and know all about the war."

Stephen Gay, 39, who produces monumental masons for the cemetery, said: " This is a disgrace. I have been in this business for 23 years. Children have no respect for the dead today. I have seen kids heckle at funeral cars."

A Dartford Council spokesman said: "How would these people feel if it was the grave of their sister, mother or grandmother?

"This is not a prank. It is evil and twisted and those responsible need to be brought to justice.

"We are currently looking into installing CCTV and/or increasing security at the cemetery."

Anyone with information on the attack, on May 25 at 9pm, should call the police on 01474 565167 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

What do you think? Write to News Shopper, Mega House, Crest View Drive, Petts Wood, BR5 1Bt or email newsroom@london.newsquest.co.uk