A bronze statue stolen from the top of East Wemyss War Memorial has been recovered.
The theft had sparked outrage in the community, with one veteran saying the callous action was “like desecrating hundreds of graves”.
After widespread appeals to track it down, it was found by a member of the public at the entrance to Hayfield Cemetery in Kirkcaldy just before 8am today.
The man immediately recognised the statue from media reports and called police.
The statue is being stored at Levenmouth Police Station until it can be returned to its rightful place on top of the war memorial.
The statue had been reported missing by an East Wemyss local resident on Wednesday.
Inspector Donald Jenks, of Police Scotland Fife Division, said: “I wish to thank the media and local people for their assistance in the swift return of this statue. There is no doubt that without the support of local people and the local media we would not have been able to have recovered the statue so quickly.
“I look forward to the statue being returned to East Wemyss to the community that treasures it, as the statue honours those local people who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the protection of our country.
“We have now taken the statue into safe custody at Levenmouth Police Station and we will ensure it is kept safe until it can be returned securely to the top of the war memorial where it rightfully belongs.
“I would also appeal to anyone who has information about the theft of the statue to contact Police Scotland on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”
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Photo courtesy of the Scottish Military Research Group