Stalking 'doesn’t just affect celebrities' and the number of cases in Fife have risen over the past five years.

Fife Council was also told that living with stalking can be "extremely frightening" and can have a profound impact on people's lives.

And a report explained: "While it is often associated with celebrities, it does in fact affect a significant number of people in Fife and is often associated with domestic abuse.

"The numbers of cases of stalking reported to police in Fife has increased significantly over the last five years.

"This is partly due to better recognition of the behaviour and its impact on the victim."

The offence was discussed at the council's safer communities committee and Fife Domestic and Sexual Abuse Partnership stressed that stalking is about a course of conduct, rather than isolated incidents.

Behaviour may include: following or surveillance; standing outside your home, school, place of work or anywhere you may be; verbal abuse or humiliating someone in public; sending unsolicited, threatening or unwanted letters, text messages or emails; sending unwanted or unsolicited gifts; threats against you, members of your family, friends or pets; damage to property; and physical or sexual assault.

Councillor Margaret Kennedy, chair of the committee, said: "In Scotland, stalking is a common law offence.

"It is clearly recognised that stalking is a range of unwanted behaviours carried out by one person, or persons, against another.

"Agencies in Fife have been working together to increase their understanding of stalking so we can improve on intervention rates and the support available for victims.

"I would urge anyone who is concerned about stalking to share their concerns and get help."

If you are receiving unwanted attention speak to a friend you trust or contact one of the following agencies: Police Scotland on 101, Fife Women’s Aid on 0808 802 5555 or the national stalking helpline on 0808 802 0300.

For further information, go to http://scotlandagainststalking.com/