Police attacked in 'appalling' disorder with up to 50 youths

Police officers have been attacked in "appalling" disorder in Fife involving up to 50 youths.

Officers attended several incidents in Cowdenbeath on Thursday night after an area of grass was set on fire near Pit Road.

A 13-year-old girl was charged with assaulting a police officer. A 14-year-old boy and three others girls, aged 13, 14 and 15, were also charged over the disorder.

Police Scotland said it was reviewing body camera footage and would be taking "robust measures" to identify and trace every person involved.

The force said officers had been engaged in "proactive patrols" in the town after previous reports of anti-social behaviour on Wednesday.

Ch Insp Christopher Dow, local area commander, said: "The acts of disorder in Cowdenbeath were appalling.

"Our inquiries so far suggest as many as 40 to 50 youths were involved.

"Engaging in anti-social behaviour and then obstructing or assaulting police officers doing their duty is not and will not be tolerated in our community."

Police Scotland said it was considering "serious charges" dure to the scale of the disorder and urged anyone with information to get in touch, external.