SEVEN people, including five teenagers, questioned by police after a graveyard vandal attack that shocked Bolton will not face charges.

Police chiefs admit they do not have enough evidence to take anyone to court.

The announcement has shocked the families of people whose graves were desecrated in the attack at Farnworth Cemetery in May.

Det Sgt Ray Sherlock, of Bolton CID, said: "Seven people were arrested and interviewed under caution in connection with this incident.

"They all strongly denied any involvement and have alibis."

The vandals tried to dig up a grave, pushed over dozens of headstones and smashed memorial urns and ornaments.

One grave vandalised was that of two-year-old meningitis victim Jakob Ball. A cross bearing his name was hurled into a tree and became wedged in branches.

Today his mother, Laura Ball, aged 34, said: "I am not surprised.

"I expected them to walk away from any prosecution even if it had got to court.

"The vandalism has been on my mind for the last few months. We only buried Jakob in January.

"I have lost two jobs over it, but now I am just trying to get on with my life."

More than 60 graves were damaged and pathways strewn with debris, including framed pictures and cuddly toys plucked from children's graves.

The vandals also kicked toys from the grave of three-year-old accident victim Amicie Nwokeochar across the graveyard and dug two feet down into the grave of John Devlin, who died eight years ago aged 33.

Three 15-year-old boys, two more male teenagers and two men have been released without charge after being arrested on suspicion of criminal damage following the incident.

Det Sgt Sherlock said: "I can only thank those people who took the time to give evidence, but there is a lack of hard evidence.

"That doesn't mean our inquiries have stopped and, if anything comes to light in the future, then the people involved can expect to get a knock on the door."

Miss Ball, of Heron Avenue, Farnworth, said: "I have just got to get on with things. I cannot let it bother me any more. I am working and trying to make a new start.

"People do know who has done this and I don't know how they can live with that on their consciences.

"It's disgraceful that we live in a society like this. We can't put anything on his grave.

"I would think more about the people who did this if they actually said they were sorry. I know they were probably kids, but they have not shown any remorse."

Miss Ball wants Bolton Council to install CCTV cameras at the crime-plagued cemetery and is urging other parents to join her fight.

Anyone who would like to support Miss Ball in her campaign can contact her by e-mail ateve1uk@aol.com