Police in Angus have been accused of smashing an “intimidating” teen den after finding knives, a hammer and a butane canister.
Officers raided the site near Shanwell Cemetery in Carnoustie sparking anger among teenagers and accusations of heavy-handedness from parents.
The investigation was prompted by complaints from dog walkers who claimed youths had been lighting fires, drinking and playing loud music.
Empty bottles of alcohol were found alongside a hammer, two craft knives with blades exposed, a brand new Blackberry mobile phone attached to a set of speakers, and a number of used cigarette packets.
A used butane canister and a burned out gas heater were also discovered.
A group of youngsters aged around 13 to 14 fled the scene when officers arrived, but later claimed they had been victimised after the den was destroyed and their property confiscated.
Commenting via the Tayside section Facebook page, Police Scotland said a resident had attended at Carnoustie Police Station to report the matter on Tuesday after feeling intimidated by the youths.
A spokesperson said: “Police attended in the area and found three unattended push bikes (one of which was brand new) on the road near to the entrance of the cemetery.
“There was no trace of any young people at this time so officers took possession of the high value and dangerous items and contacted the local authority requesting that they clear the area and make it safe.”
Later that night the owners of the bikes and the mobile phone went to the police station with a parent.
Officers gave them advice regarding their personal safety and advised them of the complaint that had been received before returning their property.
The controversial incident has ignited on Facebook with more than 120 posts on the subject on one page alone. Maureen Strachan (38) said her son Campbell (13) had helped build the den.
She said: “The police don’t give them a chance to live, it’s a piece of nonsense.
“They just seem to be targeting them all the time. The boys are not trying to get into trouble, they have grown up and just want something to do. They were not harming anybody.”