Vandals have desecrated a war memorial just hours after it was unveiled following a £13,000 restoration.
The stone structure in Milnathort was targeted shortly after protective steel fencing was taken down. Vandals prised off three bronze plaques, which were specially designed to prevent theft.
A fourth plaque inscribed with a tribute to heroes who died in two world wars was badly damaged. Locals collected cash and secured funding to have the Orwell War Memorial refurbished and the project was completed on Thursday.
Secretary of Milnathort in Bloom Graeme Stewart, who helped with the fundraising, said: “When I saw what they had done I was so angry I couldn’t speak. It’s a desecration of the memory of these people who died for us.
“It’s obviously happened just after we completed the refurbishment, because the steel fence set up to protect it only came down on Thursday.
“This particular part of the project cost £13,000, which was for grouting, pointing, resetting the base stones, cleaning and polishing the plaques and replacing a damaged section of the monument.”
Volunteers from Milnathort in Bloom coordinated the upgrade, which includes landscaping of the surrounding garden. A rededication ceremony is due to be held in the autumn.
Mr Stewart added: “Two Second World War plaques and one First World War plaque has gone. Another First World War plaque has been badly damaged.
“They were screwed in and welded on so that they couldn’t be stolen, but it looks like they’ve wrenched them off with a crowbar.
“The obvious conclusion is that they’ve done it to sell them for scrap. It is absolutely sickening.”
Police have launched an investigation and appealed for witnesses to come forward.
Photo by Phil Hannah