Police are investigating after a blaze during the early hours of Sunday morning badly damaged a pavilion at Elgin Cemetery.

The pavilion stands in the old part of the cemetery and is just feet away from several graves.

The fire, which is being treated as deliberate, has left the stone structure with no roof.

In the aftermath of the fire-fighting operation large pools of water are currently present both at the entrance of the cemetery and sections of Linkwood Road.

A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: "At around 3.15am on Sunday officers received a report of a fire

"It is being treated as wilful and enquiries are ongoing."

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A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "We were alerted at 2.20am on Sunday to reports of a fire within the Old Cemetery.

"Operations Control mobilised two appliances to the scene and, on arrival, firefighters found the pavilion well alight.

"Firefighters used lighting and two hose reel jets to fight the fire externally.

"Crews left the scene at 4.14am after extinguishing the fire and ensuring the area was safe. There were no casualties."

Anyone with information about the fire can ring the police on 101.

Alternatively, to stay anonymous, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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