Four boys suffered serious injuries after being “attacked” by a gang of 30 “balaclava-wearing” youths near a Fife beauty spot.
The incident happened near Pettycur Bay in Kinghorn on Thursday.
It is understood that the gang of around 20 to 30 men aged between 15 and 17-years-old attacked a group of boys with weapons, including a glass bottle.
The four who required hospital treatment have since been released and will require follow-up medical treatment.
They are said to have suffered broken noses and arms, bruising and cuts and required stitches and surgery.
Boys were ‘bottled and stabbed’
A local, who asked not to be named said: “A group of around 30 boys attacked a small group of boys completely unprovoked.
“These were a lovely group of boys who were bottled, stabbed, had noses and arms broken and needed stitches and surgery.”
Another local said: “The group of six was ambushed and attacked by around 30 people, all wearing balaclavas.
“Four of them had to go to hospital with serious injuries.”
Police warn of ‘tragic consequences’ amid appeal to parents
Police have warned that the “unprovoked” attack could have had “tragic consequences” and have appealed to parents over the whereabouts of their children.
Detective Inspector Samantha Davidson from Glenrothes CID said: “Four young males sustained serious injuries as a result of an unprovoked attack, they were outnumbered and were met with a level of violence that could have had tragic consequences.
“Kirkcaldy CID are following positive lines of enquiry and those responsible will be identified.
“Even if you have not personally assaulted someone, through your presence and encouragement alone, you may have enabled these serious incidents to have taken place and could find yourself criminally responsible.
“I wish to appeal to the parents of the young people involved.
“Do you know what your children were doing on April 10? Were they involved in this incident?
“Detectives are now appealing for anyone that may has seen this incident.
“We are also seeking for anyone with dashcam or private CCTV that may have captured the group involved.
“If you have anything that may be useful to the investigation, please contact us.
“We are increasing patrols in the surrounding areas and anyone with concerns should speak with officers.”
Anyone with information can contact 101 quoting incident number 2956 of April 11 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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