POLICE are to step up patrols after masked thugs armed with a nunchuck robbed two terrified teens just metres from Dunfermline Town Railway Station on Monday night.

The men, who spoke with Glaswegian accents and had a skull motif on their masks, threatened the teenagers before stealing their mobile phones around 10.45pm.

The 17-year-old victims were sitting on a bench near the St Margaret’s Drive underpass when the robbers approached them.

Neither were harmed as a result of the incident but were described by police as being “shaken”.

Detective Sergeant Kelly McEwan, of Dunfermline CID, who is leading the enquiry, said, “This is a despicable crime with two victims who were just going about their normal business. “We would appeal for anyone with any information to contact the police as soon as possible “We will be significantly increasing our patrols in the area with local officers and other Police Scotland resources.” Jim Stewart, chair of the Central Dunfermline Community Council, added, “This is a very scary incident and the masked part makes it all the worse.

“That part of the park is a main walking route to and from the train station and town centre but it can be very dark and spooky because it isn’t well lit.

“We are aware of places in the park that may pose a risk to safety due to badly-lit paths and we are working with Fife Council on this.

“This is the second attack I have heard take place in a short space of time in Dunfermline city centre and we really could do without them.

“We are always looking at how to make Dunfermline and its people safer.” The nunchuck is often used in martial arts. It consists of two sticks connected at one end by a short chain or rope. It was legal for anyone over the age of 18 to buy and possess a nunchuck (sometimes referred to as a nunchaku) for many years although public possession is not allowed unless transporting between private addresses and training sessions.

Police are appealing for anyone who has seen anything suspicious and has any information to contact 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.