A RETIRED police officer has criticised Dunfermline officers for not replying to his calls after they appealed for information about a deliberate fire at Pittencrieff Park.

Ian Mathison, 67, said he was walking his dog with friends at the park last week when they heard youths talking about being involved in the incident, which, as the Press reported last week, damaged children’s play equipment costing thousands of pounds and stopping kids playing.

He told the Press: “They left the park at 9.50am and then later my friend saw them again on the Hight Street at 10.50am.

“I phoned the police and they said they would get back to me but I heard nothing.

“I then saw the article in the Press last Thursday and decided to go into the police station. They took my number and again I’ve heard nothing.

“We now have a situation where it’s been left for a week and there’s youths bragging about what they’ve done.

“It’s just a joke. Where are the police? They appealed for information from the public but they’re not responding.”

One fire engine attended the park at 7.22pm on November 7 and the children’s play area has been cordoned off as a result.

“There’s no sign of anything being done,” said Mr Mathison.

“I have no option but to go to my MP.”

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “Police in Dunfermline continue to investigate the fire in Pittencrieff Park that was started deliberately on Tuesday, 7th November.

“All responses from the public are taken seriously and followed up by the relevant local officers.

“Mr Mathison attended at Dunfermline Police Station this morning (Tuesday, 21st November) and officers have been tasked to visit him as soon as they come on shift this afternoon.

“His report of further vandalism will also be investigated.

“Anyone with any information about these incidents are asked to contact officers on 101 or by attending at Dunfermline Police Station, quoting incident number 3292 of 7th November.”