A GROUP of drunken youths caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage after spilling onto Musselburgh racecourse at the weekend.

Railings were damaged and broken glass strewn across grass after an estimated 50 young people descended onto the Common Good land.

It is understood they were part of a gathering of around 150 youths who were drinking at nearby Musselburgh Lagoons.

Organiser at the racecourse said the incident had not had any impact on preparations for Ladies' Day, which is being held there this weekend.

And they appealed for witnesses to the incident to come forward after revealing it was the latest in a string of vandalism attacks on the course.

Bill Farnsworth, racecourse chief executive, said vandalism was an expensive problem over the summer months.

He said: "Vandalism is frustrating and the costs mount up over the summer months. Local residents are very good in raising the alarm or notifying the police if they see any unusual activity.

"We would appeal for anyone with knowledge of the latest acts of vandalism to come forward and provide that information to the police so that we may deter similar incidents."

Police said they were increasing patrols in the area over the coming weekends as part of a crackdown on anti-social behaviour and urged parents to talk to their children about the issues.

Inspector Andrew Harborow, from Police Scotland, said: "There will be an increase in high visibility patrols in the Millhill area over the coming weekends.

"We continue to work with licensed premises regarding their responsibilities surrounding the sale of alcohol, as well as in local schools to reinforce to young people the potential consequences, both to themselves and the community, of becoming involved in such criminality. I would appeal to parents to have these discussions with their children, also."