Vandals have targeted a village’s life-saving equipment – less than a year after thieves struck at the same spot.
The cover of the defibrillator in Market Square, Oldmeldrum was smashed and removed.
Police have appealed for witnesses who may have been in the area between Friday, July 14 at 5pm and Monday, July 17 at 10am.
Aberdeenshire East MSP Gillian Martin said it was “a completely senseless act”.
She went on: “The funding for this equipment was provided by the local community.
“It is there to save lives and I would urge anyone who thinks they may know something to come forward.
“I welcome the hard work of local officers to trace the person or people responsible.”
The damage was spotted by community council member Kaye Cowie on returning from holiday on Monday.
She said: “I am really disappointed – it is just pure stupidity.”
The previous defibrillator was stolen in July last year and replaced in October by local resident Alison MacLeod in memory of her late husband Kenny.
PC Scott Walmsley, who is leading inquiries, said: “This has been a completely senseless act of vandalism. The cost may be low to fix, however it is not the point – this is a piece of equipment generously donated from funds by the local community which is there to save lives.
“It is beyond belief that someone could do this and extensive inquiries are ongoing to trace the person – or people – responsible. I would urge anyone with information that could assist to contact Police on 101 as soon as possible or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 if you would prefer to remain anonymous.”