Police cast net to catch yobs

Detectives said the incident took place some time between Sunday and Monday at Juniper Artland on the Bonnington Estate north of Kirknewton.

The piece, a netted web made of fishing line, called Over Here, had been placed in an area of woodland to enhance the effect of light on the exhibit.

The piece has been torn from the trees where it was hanging and stretched out of shape beyond repair.

Police have described the crime as an a "mindless act of wanton destruction" which destroyed the work.

The artwork by Shane Waltener was valued somewhere between 40,000 and 50,000.

Mr Waltener, a well-known emerging artist, is on a tour of Australia at the moment and it is understood he has not been made aware of the destruction of his work.

Police were alerted to the incident on Wednesday and are now appealing for anyone with information on the crime to come forward.

A police spokesman said: "This has been a mindless act of wanton destruction that has resulted in one artist's creation being completely destroyed.

"Anyone who was in or around the Bonnington Estate on either Sunday or Monday and remembers seeing any suspicious activity is asked to contact police immediately."

Jupiter Artland is a non-profit "sculpture garden" open to members of the public and located in the private grounds of Bonnington House.

Other well-known artists exhibited by owners Nicola and Robert Wilson include Antony Gormley, who created the Angel of the North.

When Mr Waltener launched the exhibit recently he said: "This knitted web gives the viewer an opportunity to reflect on his or her position within the woodland area, the wood itself, and the surrounding landscape.

"It is a device for seeing. Walking alongside the piece and looking through the eye of the web, different elements come to the viewer's attention."

Anyone with any information can contact police on 0131-311 3131, or Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800-555 111.