Warning Over Hoax Calls

Two teenagers have been charged with allegedly making hoax calls after an abandoned search at sea for a toddler.

Volunteers from RNLI Kinghorn, assisted by an RAF helicopter from Boulmer and the local coastguard, searched Kirkcaldy promenade behind Morrisons after reports a three year old child had fallen in the water.

Crews were called off when the same number called emergency services about a similar 'incident' elsewhere.

Police Scotland have confirmed that a 15 year old man and a 16 year old man have been charged under the Communications Act (2003) after allegedly making malicious calls to the coastguard on Monday evening. A report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.

In a statement, a police spokesperson said:

"Police would like to remind people that it is a crime to make malicious or false calls to the emergency services. Hoax calls not only waste valuable resources but can endanger members of the public by diverting vital services for genuine emergencies. Anyone found to be making such calls will be pursued by the Police and are likely to be charged."