Vandals have repeatedly targeted the gravestone of a West Lothian teenager who died earlier this year.

Dione Melville's family said the incident at Hermand Park cemetery, West Calder, earlier this week was "soul destroying".

The 15-year-old died in March after she and two other girls took ill at a house in East Calder.

A boy was later charged in connection with drugs offences.

The headstone which Dione shares with her grandfather Jim Jervis was repeatedly damaged between 8am on Tuesday and 8am on Wednesday.

Ornaments and vases surrounding the headstone have also been destroyed.

In a statement issued by police, Dione's family said: "This has been soul destroying for us as a family and it feels like we've lost Dione all over again.

"We are absolutely devastated by this and the family has been in pieces since.

"We just want our beautiful Dione to be able to rest in peace with her grandad, and for us as a family to be able to grieve."

Inspector Drew Elliot of Livingston Police Station said: "This was a despicable act which has caused significant upset to a still grieving family.

"Graveyards should be a place of respect and there will be an increase in patrols in this area over the forthcoming days.

"The area is frequented by visitors and dog walkers and we'd urge anyone who may have seen suspicious behaviour in this time to come forward.

"I'd also ask anyone who may have information which can help with our investigation to get in touch as soon as possible."

West Lothian Council's Depute Leader Cathy Muldoon added: "It's absolutely disgraceful to vandalise a headstone, and we'd encourage anyone who has any information on this shocking incident to contact Police Scotland or Crimestoppers as soon as possible."

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.