Vile graffiti was scrawled over a memorial honouring Scots who fought against fascism in the Spanish Civil War in what has been called a "disgusting, mindless act of vandalism".
Police have launched a probe after they received a report that the memorial in Motherwell ’s Duchess of Hamilton Park - which was erected in 2012 - was defiled at around 12pm on Saturday, June 26.
Pictures show the memorial covered in graffiti reading "Franco" and "vermin", as well as fascist symbols.
An annual service is held to remember the 40 North Lanarkshire volunteers who "gave up everything … for the cause of all advanced and progressive mankind".
Posting the pictures to Facebook, a spokesperson for North Lanarkshire Council said: "We're very sad to learn the Spanish Civil War Memorial at the Duchess of Hamilton Park in Motherwell has been subject to an appalling act of vandalism.
"We urge anyone with any information to contact Police Scotland on 101.
"A specialist graffiti removal team will clean this as soon as possible."
Tory MSP for Central Scotland, Meghan Gallacher said: "Thanks NLC for your urgent attention regarding the Spanish Civil War Memorial.
"Saddened that this has happened. Disgusting, mindless act of vandalism."
Locals have been disgusted by the damage, with one commenting: " Absolutely disgraceful. Total morons. No respect."
Another said: "This is disgusting. I can’t understand how anyone could be so disrespectful."
The council planned to quickly send a team down to remove the graffiti - but before they arrived the memorial was cleaned up by a man nicknamed "McGoo", who wanted to show his son the difference between "right and wrong".
The dad and his son cycled down to the memorial and cleaned up the graffiti before heading off.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We received a report around 12 noon on Saturday, 26 June, that a memorial in Duchess Park, Motherwell, had been vandalised.
"Enquiries are at an early stage."
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