A 10-year-old girl has been left injured after being attacked by a teenager in Fife.
Police said specialist officers have been drafted in to support the girl and her family in the wake of the horrifying incident which happened in the Kennedy Crescent area of Dunfermline on Saturday.
A male, described as being 14 to 17 years-old, appeared to follow, took hold of and then assaulted the girl at about 1.30pm.
Officers are conducting extensive enquiries in the area and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
The suspect has dark blond or light brown hair that is shaved at the sides and short on top, had stubble and has protruding ears. He was wearing a long black Adidas tracksuit top with a white zip that was hip length, a red t-shirt, blue jeans and black trainers with white soles.
Area Commander Chief Inspector Adrian Annandale said: “We are taking this matter very seriously and have launched a full investigation.
“Inquiries conducted so far have shown that the suspect was in the area of the bus station on Pilmuir Street, Dunfermline and the Townhill Road area.
“These incidents are rare. However, I understand that the community will be concerned by such an incident. We have officers conducting patrols in the area and anyone with concern or information should speak with them.
“The victim received minor injuries but has been left shocked by this incident and we have specialist officers supporting her and her family.
“We are urging anyone with information that could assist with our inquiry to come forward as soon as possible.”