AN 11-year-old boy has been charged with wilful fireraising at the Fleet Grounds in Rosyth last Friday.

Police Scotland are appealing to members of the public for information about the incident, which took place in Wilson Way between 7-7.30pm.

A number of small fires were set to the astroturf of the sports facility, which is to be run by the South West Fife Community Sports Partnership (SWFSP) as a sports hub.

The Fleet Grounds were sold to Fife Council in 2014 for £133,000 and the partnership was created with a view to leasing the land and turning it into a multi-sport facility as part of a three-phase development.

After receiving council funding, a new 3G pitch was installed in March but the incident is set to delay the handover the facility from the council to the partnership.

Sergeant Kenny Bow, of Dalgety Bay police station, said: "It is very disappointing that damage has been intentionally caused to this new facility, which is to be run by volunteers for the benefit of the local community.

"Damage has also been caused to the perimeter fence and the dugouts, all of which will delay the handover of the premises from Fife Council to the South West Fife Community Sports Partnership.

"Local officers will be working with the partnership when they take over the running of the facility, as well as local sports clubs and schools, as part of ongoing efforts to provide activities for young people.

"I'd urge residents to help us support the partnership by getting in touch as soon as possible if you see any suspicious behaviour at the facility."

Posting on Facebook Russell Taylor, a director of the partnership, said: "We are saddened to report fire damage to numerous areas of the astroturf at the Fleet Grounds. This is on the back of previous damage to the dugouts and fencing.

"Fife Council, who still has ownership of the facility and has assured us that the pitch, dugouts and fence will be repaired asap. We will not know the full extent of repair until the pitch contractor assesses the damage later this week.

"The SWFCSP will take ownership of the facility very soon and we hope that the WFFP and other local clubs/groups will have access for training and matches in late October early November."

Enquiries are continuing into the incident and anyone who may have witnessed suspicious behaviour in the area is urged to come forward.

Anyone who may have information should contact Dalgety Bay Police Station via 101, quoting incident number 3905 of September 22, or reporting it anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.