Two young men sustained serious facial injuries in an incident in St Andrews being probed by police.
Bottles were thrown as a group of up to 10 drunken youths fought in the town centre in the early hours of Saturday morning.
When police arrived they discovered the two casualties, who were taken to Dundee’s Ninewells Hospital.
The alarm was raised by a number of people who dialled 999 at around 2.40am.
The brawl began in Playfair Terrace and the youngsters, believed to be in their late teens and early 20s, chased each other through Bell Street, South Street and Abbey Street, where the injured men were found.
A motorbike was also stolen from the Canongate, which is thought may now be in the Methil area.
Police are reviewing CCTV footage and carrying out door-to-door enquiries as they investigate what they said was a serious disturbance.
They also hope dash-cam footage from taxis will help identify those involved and reassured the public that a positive line of enquiry is being followed.
An appeal was issued for help from anyone with information about the incident.
Detective Chief Inspector John Anderson said: “This was a serious disturbance which has left two young men with serious facial injuries.
“The group involved are described as being in the 18/23 years old age band, and were wearing jeans and jumpers.
“We believe they were in the St Andrews town centre for some time last night (Friday) under the influence of alcohol and people may have cause to have been alarmed about their behaviour.
“From our enquires, we understand that a group of males have been involved in a physical confrontation that started on Playfair Terrace, culminating on Abbey Street when these males were injured.
“We know that during this time, the males confronted and chased each other by throwing bottles on Bell Street and South Street and believe that people in the town that night would have seen this.
“I would be particularly interested to speak to any taxi drivers who were working last night and had been parked at the rank on Bell Street who may have seen the group confront each other and who may also have dash-cam footage that may assist our enquires.”
He said the theft of a motorbike from an address on the Canongate, reported shortly after 3am, was believed to be linked.
Anyone with information is asked to call St Andrews police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
24.02.18
