Police investigating after 'youths burn parts of playing field' at Kelty Hearts Football Club in Fife

A Fife football club has been “severely” vandalised “by youths” after parts of the artificial playing surface were found burnt.

The damage at Kelty Hearts’ New Central Park will now have to be repaired which the club said will cost a “considerable sum”.

A spokesperson for the League Two champions added that “buildings have also been subjected to anti-social behaviour with youths spotted climbing on building roofs, damage within the seated stand and enclosures as well as repeated damage to the perimeter fencing”.

The pie huts at the stadium – hosting third tier football for the first time this season – have also been targeted, with one being ransacked causing losses to stock and damage to equipment.

CCTV has been passed to police and is being investigated, the club said.

A spokesperson for the club said: “It is galling to see these investments fall subject to the mindless vandalism currently being witnessed.

“Kelty Hearts and Fife Council would like to emphasise that no-one should be within the perimeter of New Central Park unless attending a game or participating in an organised event which is covered by a pitch booking with Kelty Community Centre.

“Both the club and council are adopting a zero tolerance policy to trespassers within the ground. CCTV will continue to monitor all points of the ground and footage will be shared to the police to assist in any following investigations.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Police received a report of vandalism at New Central Park on Bath Street in Kelty on Wednesday, August 3. Enquiries are ongoing.”