KELTY HEARTS have expressed their "sincere disappointment" after revealing that their New Central Park ground has been targeted by vandals.

The club have this evening released a statement, in which they say "local youths" have been found burning parts of their artificial pitch, which will cost a "considerable sum" to repair, whilst other areas of the ground, including the seated stand, enclosures and catering outlet, have been targeted.

The League Two champions, who will host Dunfermline - for which ticket details are scheduled to be released on Monday - next weekend, have said that CCTV footage has been passed to police, who the Press have asked for comment.

Kelty said it was "galling" to see investment in their facilities, which are available for use by the community, had been hit by "mindless vandalism", and have appealed for information.

The club said: "It is with sincere disappointment that New Central Park has once again become subject of severe vandalism.

Rather disturbingly, local youths have been found to be burning parts of the artificial playing surface, which to repair will involve remedial works costing a considerable sum.

"Club 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.

"Recently the pie huts have also been targeted, with one being ransacked, again causing losses to stock and damage to equipment.

"The club have recently installed CCTV and in conjunction with the CCTV from Kelty Community Centre a group has been captured by the camera which has been passed to police and is being investigated.

"The club have continued to invest in improving the facilities at New Central Park, which are available to use, and enjoyed by both local primary schools, local nurseries and the various age groups from Kelty Hearts Community Club and Kelty Marian Colts. Anyone wishing to use the pitch can do so by making a booking through the Community Centre.

"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.

"Anyone with any information regarding the damage within the ground can contact the club secretary by e-mail on secretary@keltyhearts.co.uk or telephone on 07982 725903.

"All correspondence will be treated with the strictest confidence."