Masked gang of 20 attacks four teenagers near beach

A masked gang of more than 20 male youths carried out a violent attack on four teenagers in Fife.

The four, all male, were walking on Pettycur Road in Kinghorn, close to the popular Pettycur Bay beach, when they were attacked at about 20:20 on Thursday.

Police Scotland said they were taken to Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy with serious injuries and later released, however will require follow up care.

Det Insp Samantha Davidson, of Glenrothes CID, said detectives were following a positive line of inquiry.

Police said there were between 20 and 30 attackers, most of whom were wearing face coverings and all between 15 and 17 years old.

Det Insp Davidson said the victims were "met with a level of violence that could have had tragic consequences".

The force has increased patrols in the area since the attack.

Det Insp Davidson encouraged those involved, their parents, or those who witnessed the incident to come forward.

She said: "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."