POLICE in Shetland are investigating a case of vandalism after the letters "SNP" was spray painted on to a war meorial in Lerwick.
The graffiti appeared on overnight into Thursday on the concrete block at the side of the memorial, opposite the town hall.
An ongoing byelection in Shetland was triggered in June when former Scottish LibDem leader Tavish Scott quit politics after 20 years as an MSP.
SNP candidate Tom Wills distanced himself from the “heartless attack”.
He expressed "outrage" at the attack on a memorial "honouring those who died protecting all our freedoms.
“Needless to say this attack has absolutely nothing to do with my campaign or the SNP.
“Whoever is responsible should be ashamed and subject to the full consequences of the law.
“I strongly urge anyone with information to contact the police so we can find out who is responsible for this mindless act of vandalism.
“Local volunteers are on site just now to see how best to remove the graffiti.”
Ch Insp Lindsay Tulloch said: "Vandalism is never acceptable in any circumstances and damaging a war memorial is a particularly disrespectful act.
"This has caused considerable upset in the local community and I have spoken with the local authority and asked that the memorial is cleaned as promptly as possible."
The vandalism is being removed, and Police Scotland have asked that anyone with information come forward.
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