BOSSES AT a college in Dunfermline have been forced to admit they may never know who posted sectarian abuse on an internet encyclopedia.

Last month it emerged comments about a Scottish football club had been left on Wikipedia, which can be updated by anyone with access to a computer.

Initial inquiries suggested they appeared to have been made by someone logged on to the computer network at Carnegie College.

The offensive material included tributes to Adolf Hitler and a reference to Dunfermline High School as “Dumb High School.”

An article about MP3 music players was also replaced with comments of a homophobic nature.

The college authorities warned last month students could be expelled and staff sacked if those responsible were identified.

They said then they were dismayed that a public website had been abused and launched an investigation.

A spokeswoman said yesterday, “The college has carried out a thorough investigation into the alleged misuse of the Wikipedia site by some of our students.

“The Wikipedia website lists editing activity from specific servers only and does not provide any further detailed information.

“Unfortunately, on this occasion this has made it impossible for us to identify the individuals involved.”

She added, “We continue to offer full internet access at Carnegie College wherever possible as the vast majority of students use this facility for the purpose that it is intended.

“However, the college is currently investigating the possibility of disabling certain editing options within our browsers.”

It is thought the comments related to web activity at the college in 2006 and early last year.

The edits were corrected and the offensive material removed.

Every student is made aware of college policy on the use of its computers and of the penalties for ignoring them.

The spokeswoman added, “As stated previously all Carnegie College students are made aware that misuse of any IT facilities within the college may result in the instigation of disciplinary procedures which could lead to exclusion from the college.”

Upwards of 600 students a day use the computers.