HATE MESSAGES IN DAMAGE SPREE AT SPORTS STADIUM

Mar 31 2006 By Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

THOUSANDS of pounds in damage has been caused to a dog track in a suspected animal rights attack.

Around £10,000 of vandalism was caused at Armadale Stadium — which is used for greyhound racing and motorbike speedway — including electric cables cut, three tractors damaged and graffiti.

The incident happened some time between 11pm on Sunday and 6am on Monday, at the track which is located in Bathgate Road, Armadale.

Alex Harkess, chairman of speedway team, The Monarchs, which uses the stadium, said his group seems likely to be the main victim of the spree of damage.

He said: “These people won’t even realise what they have done.

“It can’t do their cause much good to have created such serious problems for speedway and its supporters, who have done no harm to anyone.

“Our vehicles have been smashed, their tyres slashed, every electrical cable has been cut and the stadium has been covered in graffiti.”

Monarchs’ officials are currently working with the stadium operators estimating the extent of the damage and the time required to get things back in working order.

However, despite the damage, it’s expected that this week’s speedway fixture — Edinburgh’s match with Glasgow — will go ahead on Friday as planned.

No culprits were seen when the attack is believed to have taken place, but police are appealing to any witnesses who saw or heard anything suspicious to come forward.

Officers say they are following several lines of inquiry, and say that one relates to the possibility that animal activists are involved.

A police spokeswoman said: “We would appeal to anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious between the hours of 11pm on Sunday, and 6am on Monday morning, to contact us immediately.

“There has been an immense amount of damage caused, and there is evidence to suggest that it may be related to animal activists.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Constable Lee Cunningham, Bathgate CID, Lothian and Borders Police, on 01506 652323.