Young people are being warned not to use quad bikes after a teenager was seriously injured in an accident at Coaltown of Balgonie.
It is understood Steven Watt (14), of Methil, was to undergo surgery on Wednesday after breaking his back while quad biking on an old coal bing (pile).
The Buckhaven High School pupil was airlifted to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary after plunging 40 feet at around 6pm on Saturday.
He was later transferred to the Southern General Hospital in Glasgow.
Steven, who was with his friend and an adult, was acting within the law as the group had permission from landowners to use the site.
However, Fife police said they had serious concerns about the safety of off-road quad bikes and motorcycles.
Inspector Stuart Menzies said, “Community officers at Glenrothes have been operating an action plan in the Coaltown of Balgonie area, in an effort to curb the use of off-road quad bikes in the Coaltown bing area.
“This unfortunate accident once again highlights the dangers posed to those who participate in this kind of activity.
“Our community officers, in conjunction with appropriate partner agencies, are continuing to concentrate their efforts on the use of off-road vehicles…with a view to not only deterring youngsters from taking part but also looking to educate them in regard to the dangers involved.”
The incident echoes an accident involving a 12-year-old boy at the bing in 2007.
Robbie Smith, also of Methil, sustained internal injuries when he was thrown from a quad bike.
Relatives said the protective clothing he was wearing at the time probably saved his life.