Vale of Leithen Football Club have issued an appeal on social media following damage caused to their Stand at Victoria Park.

The club have asked anyone who has information that could help identify three teenagers who were seen running from the park via the tennis court gate between 3pm and 3-30pm on Saturday afternoon. (12 February 2022)

The teenagers were believed to have headed towards the new houses built at the old Ballantyne Mill.

The club are asking residents to check possible CCTV footage and pass any relevant information to Police Scotland.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service were called to a report of a fire at the stadium in Victoria Park, Hall Street, in the town around 3pm.

It was subsequently discovered that the stand had also been vandalised with obscene graffiti.

The cost of repairs is estimated to run into four-figures according to Vice Chairman Michael Hogarth.

He told us: “Since this was reported we have had a fantastic response from the community with messages of support. I would ask anyone with information to contact the police. Since we put out the appeal on Facebook dozens of people have shared it. I think people are just getting fed up with the anti-social behaviour in the town.

“The damage will cost a lot of money to repair but we have to get this done before our next home game and we have to make sure the stand is safe, or it will have to close.”

Police Constable Ruaridh Nairn, of the Scottish Borders Community Action Team, said: “Fortunately no one was injured and the fire was quickly extinguished by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, but the damage will be costly to repair.

“I am appealing to anyone who saw what happened or has any information as to who might be responsible to get in touch, including anyone with private CCTV that could help with our enquiries.”

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0776 of Monday, 14 February, or make a call anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.