OFFENSIVE graffiti has led to a sign at the baby area of Dunfermline cemetery having to be removed.

Fife Council has said it will step up patrols in the area after the latest incident.

The Press reported last month that vile scribbles had been daubed on the headstone of World War One hero Air Mechanic W M Knight, of the Royal Flying Corps, who died on March 14, 1918.

As well as the damage to that memorial, a West Fife dog-walker also spotted offensive messages on another grave.

Fife Council safer communities manager, Kirstie Freeman, has urged members of the public to keep them informed of such incidents.

“Graffiti is a serious crime that impacts all members of the community and its removal can be costly to the council," she said. "This is particularly offensive as it has appeared on the sign at the baby area of the cemetery.

“Colleagues have removed the sign and will try to clean it off. However, if it won’t clean up, we’ll arrange a replacement as soon as possible.

"We will take action on this now and step up patrols in the area.

“We rely on the public coming forward and reporting graffiti. You can do this online at www.fife.gov.uk/antisocialbehaviour or phone 03451 55 00 22.”

Convener of the assets and corporate services sub-committee, Councillor David Barratt, added: "It is inexplicable that we have once again seen this kind of graffiti, damaging items that will have significant emotional attachment for the families concerned.

"I am grateful to the action of colleagues who have acted swiftly to address the damage and appeal for anyone with information related to this to come forward."