Angry Glenrothes residents have compared a late-night fireworks display to the sound of gunfire and explosions.
Several householders in the north of the town contacted police after pyrotechnics were set off shortly after 11.30pm on Monday.
The noise is said to have startled and woken those living nearby, while upsetting pets in homes in the nearby Pitcoudie and Caskieberran neighbourhoods.
It is believed the fireworks were launched from a field alongside Western Avenue, with people living as far away as Warout said to have been disturbed by the blasts.
Taking to social media, Vicki Harley said: “I thought it was an explosion or gunshots. I woke up petrified.”
Lori Anderson added: “People thought it was an explosion and then gun shots.
“They should not be allowed to set them off at that time of night, especially when people are on edge.”
Police Scotland confirmed it received almost a dozen calls from members of the public from at least nine separate streets following Monday’s incident.
Of particular concern were two especially loud fireworks, which are said to have sounded like explosions.
The law stipulates that fireworks cannot be set off between the hours of 11pm and 7am unless special dispensation is granted by a local authority.