Youths have caused damage to Musselburgh Racecourse just days before Ladies Day.

The youngsters are being hunted by police after damage was caused to the running rail around the course.

Smashed glass bottles have also been left nearby.

Ladies Day is due to start at 11am on Saturday, with a sell-out crowd of around 10,000 people expected to attend.

Musselburgh Racecourse chief executive Bill Farnsworth said: "The running rail was damaged.

"At the end of the day kids will do this.

"We do not have a major problem and regard ourselves very lucky.

"We accept this is unfortunate."

Local Inspector Andrew Harborow said: "There will be an increase in high visibility patrols in the Millhill area over the coming weekends as part of ongoing work to prevent and detect any anti-social behaviour.

"We continue to work with licensed premises regarding their responsibilities surrounding the sale of alcohol, as well in local schools to reinforce to young people the potential consequences, both to themselves and the community, of becoming involved in such criminality.

"I would appeal to parents to have these discussions with their children. Enquiries are continuing and anyone with information about these incidents is urged to contact Musselburgh Police Station via 101."