WATCH: Police Scotland investigate sickening footage of a young vandal desecrating and ripping down graves in Inverness

Police are investigating the shocking vandalism of gravestones in Inverness.

Video footage of a young culprit smashing and tearing down headstones at Tomnahurich Cemetery surfaced on social media.

The sickening footage shows the youth pulling down and uprooting headstones and smashing a brick against others in an apparent attempt to deface the writing.

The youngster was filmed on Snapchat carrying out the attacks on the graves, with the video since copied across other social media sites.

It is not known exactly when the incidents took place, but Police Scotland have confirmed that they are aware of the vandalism and investigating the matter.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We are aware of the vandalism and are carrying out enquiries."

A spokeswoman for Highland Council, who tend the graveyard, said: “The Council urges anyone who witnesses vandalism to please report vandals to Police on 101 or phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

"Vandalism, while not only criminal, is a total waste of taxpayers’ money and diverts resources from council works and services.”