Police vow to catch masked gang who attacked four boys

A gang of masked youths who attacked four teenagers in Fife "should be under no illusion" that they will be caught, a police inspector has said.

The four boys were walking on Pettycur Road in Kinghorn, close to Pettycur Bay beach at about 20:20 on Thursday when they were attacked.

They were taken to Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy with serious injuries and will require follow up care.

Police said a group of around 20 to 30 youths - all between 15 and 17 years old - had carried out the unprovoked attack, with some wearing balaclavas.

Ch Insp Scott Davidson, the local area commander at Kirkcaldy police station, told BBC Scotland News that a dedicated team of detectives were following a positive line of inquiry.

He said: "I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate to the people that were involved in this that be under no illusion, we will be chapping your door very soon and you will be dealt with."

He said the attack was completely unprovoked and "could have had serious consequences".

He said: "My understanding is that the four youths that were sadly attacked were just going about their daily business and had had a nice afternoon in the area of Kinghorn, enjoying the weather and enjoying their company."

Ch Insp Davidson said the four boys were with a smaller group of friends when they were attacked and "significant violence" was involved in the incident.

The officer said the beach was busy due to the good weather and school holidays - he appealed for anyone who was in the area at the time to get in touch.

Kathleen Leslie, a councillor for the Kinghorn area has called for clearer messaging to remind children there are consequences for their actions.

She said: "I think it has to be said young people that if you get caught up in anything like this, if there is criminal activity you will have a criminal record that's going to impact on you going for a job or going to college or university.

"We know it's not all kids, we know it has been a small number that has been involved in this but there is clearly a problem here that needs to be addressed going forward."