Locals have expressed their anger after a Dunfermline baby memorial was vandalised.
The stones at Dunfermline Cemetery were covered with green paint.
It is thought the vandalism happened some time on Sunday.
Lino Prado, who lives just yards from the cemetery, told The Courier the vandalism was “disgusting”.
‘Heartbreak’ as Dunfermline baby memorial covered in paint
He said: “Sadly it’s not the first time the memorial has been attacked.
“I just can’t understand why anyone would do such a cruel and disgusting thing.
“It’s heartbreaking to see.
“I walk through the cemetery every day and was shocked to see such vandalism.
“The paint looks to be oil-based so the memorial stones will need to be professionally cleaned.”
The public have voiced their anger after images of the vandalised memorial were posted on social media.
Second time Dunfermline baby memorial vandalised
One wrote: “Not again! I wish the vandals felt even an ounce of the pain that the families of these babies have felt and are living with every day. It’s heartbreaking.”
Another said: “Disgusting. The poor family’s have been through enough with out this happening. Should be ashamed of themselves.”
It is at least the second time in recent years that the memorial has been vandalised.
In May 2021, the memorial stones were spray-painted with offensive slogans.
Fife Council’s head of property services, Alan Paul condemned the attack.
He said: “This is a heartless and despicable crime.
“The loss of a baby or child is devastating and to see these memorials tarnished and desecrated in this way will be heart- breaking for the parents affected.
“The damage to the memorial will be cleaned today.
“I hope anyone who has any information on who may have done this will come forward to Police Scotland.”
As news of the the callous attack spread a number of people descended on the cemetery to help with the clean up.
‘This is a heartless and despicable crime’
Dunfermline councillor, Naz Anis-Miah was one of those who turned up to help after being alerted by a constituent.
He said: “My immediate reaction when I found out was – I don’t want the parents to have to see that mess.
“I met a few constituents here and we helped to get what seemed to be an industrial type of thick paint off the stones.
“There was concern that the gold lettering would be damaged but the council staff also did a great job to restore the memorials.
“This is supposed to be a place of rest and constituents are right to be appalled at this abhorrent act.
“There is absolutely no place for this in our society and I’m proud if the way the community has stepped up to clear this up.”
Mr Anis-Miah said he would be taking up the issue with council colleagues over the need for improving security at the cemetery.
“This can not be allowed to happen again ans if it takes CCTV cameras to stop these type of vile acts then that’s what i’ll be pressing for.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 8.45pm on Sunday we received a report of vandalism at a cemetery on Halbeath Road in Dunfermline.
“Enquires are ongoing.”
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