SELKIRK'S community police officer believes it was lucky vandals ran out of spray-paint, otherwise the entire flood defences could have been defaced.

Last month sections of the recently opened flood defence walls in the Riverside area of the town were targeted by vandals.

Paint was sprayed along lengthy sections next to the Ettrick.

But PC Conal McEwan, who is investigating the attack, admits the damage could have been much worse. He said: "It is lucky that they didn't have full cans of spray-paint or they would have sprayed the entire flood defences.

"It strikes me that youths were responsible for this, and you can see where the paint has run out.

"We don't have a lot to go on and I would appeal for anyone who has any information to come forward."

Scottish Borders Council staff used chemical cleaner to remove the graffiti in the days after the vandalism.

Local councillor Gordon Edgar said: "We took action as soon as we were informed."

Selkirk has been subjected to several incidents of spray-painted vandalism this year.

Community councillor Judith Thomson said: "It is important the graffiti is removed or covered up as quickly as possible."

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland on 101.