A World War memorial in East Lothian has been targeted by vandals causing thousands of pounds worth of damages.

The memorial on Prestonpans High Street is a tribute to 143 local men killed in the First World War and depicts a statue of a soldier on top of a plinth.

The monument that commemorates "those who made the ultimate sacrifice" had only just been recently refurbished.

A crash barrier surrounding the statue had been dismantled and thrown at the statue chipping the face of a memorial plaque and scarring to the new fence paintwork.

Described by police as "despicable" the vandalism, which took place sometime between 7pm on Tuesday January 16, and 1pm on Thursday January 18, also caused two large scratches to the name plate, culminating in a total of £2,000 worth of damage.

Police officers investigating the incident have appealed for witnesses in a bid to catch those responsible.

PC Fiona Cunningham, Community Officer for Prestonpans, said: "Vandalism is never acceptable, but it's particularly despicable when a monument that commemorates those who made the ultimate sacrifice and which means so much to people is deliberately damaged.

"Someone must know how this damage was caused and I would appeal to anyone with any information that may be able to help with our investigation to contact police, or report this anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers as soon as possible."

Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or report this anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.