Vandals have destroyed part of a popular coastal walk in Fife by dousing it in weedkiller.
Police have appealed for information after a large section of Burntisland Lammerlaws was targeted, killing plants at either side of a well-used path.
Officers posted pictures of the damage on social media in the hope someone will identify what caused the devastation.
It is understood the incident was reported on July 2, meaning the people responsible most likely showered the substantial section of grass and vegetation with some sort of pesticide at the end of June.
Many more people have been using the Lammerlaws in recent months, particularly during the lockdown period for their daily exercise.
There have been suggestions the path in question may have become overgrown, prompting someone to take matters into their own hands.
However, that has been discounted by a number of local campaigners on social media who have stressed that the path is “very walkable” and that routes had been improved in the last year or so.
Locals have also been working on projects to improve accessibility and provide information on the area’s industrial heritage in recent years.
Christine May, a former Fife MSP and community campaigner, was shocked to see the images posted on Twitter.
She said: “This is appalling. Please help identify whoever did this awful thing to a beautiful part of Fife.
“The impact on the environment, plant, insect, animal and ultimately human life will be profound. Shame on you, whoever you are.”
Anyone with information about the damage done on Burntisland Lammerlaws can contact Police Scotland on 101 and quote reference 2293 of July 2.
The area was previously home to a vitriol works, one of the town’s earliest industrial undertakings, while to the east of the area along by the coast are the remains of a lime kiln.
