Detectives are hunting vandals who packed a house with dead fish and prawns in a bizarre revenge attack.
Handfuls of rotting mackerel, crabs and langoustine were stuffed into wall cavities and under floorboards at a house being renovated in Stanley, near Perth.
The malicious prank has caused an estimated tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage and there are fears it will be impossible to get rid of the overpowering stench.
Owners have spent more than two years renovating the property, including a roof space conversion with new windows.
Neighbours said much of the work has had to be dismantled after shellfish were discovered behind a kitchen sink.
One resident said the attack had left the new owner “heartbroken”.
He said: “It sounds like someone has a grudge against him.
“I don’t know if whoever did this thought it was funny, but it has caused real serious damage and upset.”
He said: “I don’t really know the owner very well, but my heart goes out to him. He was asking us if we had seen a van parked outside the house over the Christmas period.”
Another local said: “I heard that the smell was overpowering. I don’t know if they’ll ever get rid of it.”
The owner of the property has declined to comment.
Chief inspector Maggie Pettigrew, the local area commander, made an appeal for witnesses in her weekly crime round-up, issued by the Perth and Kinross Community Watch.
She said: “A property currently under renovation on James Street, Stanley, was found to have been targeted maliciously, where dead fish and other crustaceans had been concealed within the wall cavity, behind units and under floorboards.
“The cost to re-instate the property is estimated to cost tens of thousands of pounds.”
It is thought that vandals struck just before Christmas, although fish were still being discovered behind walls and boards several weeks on.
Police believe it may have taken a considerable time – up to three hours – to hide all of the seafood.
Some of the fish were chopped up and wrapped in silver foil, while others were stored in plastic tubs.
It is not clear how the vandals were able to get inside the property.
Any witnesses are urged to call Police Scotland on 101.