VANDALS destroyed a memorial bench in Culross cemetery on Easter weekend.

Police described the incident, which happened at some point between 8pm on Friday and 10.20am on Saturday, as “completely unacceptable” and said they were investigating.

Peter McArthur, from Newmills, posted on Facebook that it was his daughter’s memorial bench that had been destroyed and appealed for help to catch those responsible.

Officers are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious in the area.

Sergeant Hazel Gibson, of Dunfermline Police Station, said: “Vandalism in a cemetery is completely unacceptable and naturally causes distress to the community.

“Anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious or who has information that can assist us in tracing those responsible is asked to call 101 quoting incident number 1311 of 31st March.

“Alternatively information can be passed anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Liz Murphy, Fife Council’s manager in bereavement services, said: “We are aware of an act of vandalism carried out within the grounds of Culross Cemetery between the 30th and 31st of March.

“This kind of behaviour, although rare, is despicable and we’d ask anyone who has any information about this incident to come forward and report it to the police.

“This is an incredibly distressing time for relatives and those visiting our cemeteries and we will work closely with our colleagues in Police Scotland to look into ways to stop similar acts of vandalism in the future.”

Mr McArthur’s post was shared on social media over 3,000 times and angered people from all the UK.

Grant Edgar Parry Fyfe wrote: “Terrible, makes me sick to the pit of my stomach.”

Janet Harley added: “I hope you find out who done this. It’s absolutely sickening my mums grave is the one right next to this bench. The person that done this is an animal.”

Mr McArthur’s post said that the individual/s had driven over some of the graves, but police said that was not correct. However, tyre tracks have been seen close to those areas.