A Fife police chief has expressed disappointment at the irresponsible use of social media to spread false rumours about serious crime incidents.
Chief Inspector Graeme Kinmond, Police Scotland Fife Division Area Commander for Levenmouth, said the force is keen for the public to report matters which caused them concern.
However, he said ‘speculation’ can be damaging.
Chief Inspector Kinmond made the comment as Police Scotland and Fife Council confirmed there is no substance to a social media-fuelled allegation that there was an attempted abduction at Buckhaven Primary School on Tuesday.
Detailed inquiries including a review of the school CCTV system have been carried out.
Police say a local woman has been traced and spoken to and officers are confident that matters understood by The Courier to have involved a misconstrued incident in the playground are “not as first portrayed”.
Chief Inspector Kinmond said: “My officers were dealing with a routine inquiry made by staff at the school to ensure no offence had taken place following reports made by very young pupils.
“I am fully satisfied that there have been no criminal actions involved and the police inquiry has been concluded.
“The school quite rightly brought this incident to the attention of Police Scotland. However, it is disappointing to see some of the comments on social media sites that have created a serious crime where none actually exists.
“We are obviously keen for the public and in particular children to report matters that give them concern and speculation can damage this process.
“Risk to children is taken extremely seriously and we need them to engage whenever they feel threatened in some way, regardless of the circumstances.
“I hope this message provides reassurance to both parents and pupils in the area.”
Fife Council’s head of education, Bryan Kirkaldy also confirmed that there has been no attempted abductions at either Denbeath or Aberhill primary schools.
He said: “An incident was reported at Buckhaven Primary School on Tuesday and the police were involved in investigating this. There is no evidence of criminal activity.
“We regularly give advice about personal safety to pupils and their parents but it is important to stress to people in the Levenmouth area that on this occasion there is no cause for concern.”