Toilet troubles:

Craigtoun: Explosives left lying in block after toilet blown up

Bomb squad experts raced to a St Andrews loo block not because they had been caught short, but because fireworks had been used to destroy a toilet at Craigtoun Park.

Bomb disposal experts were called to a popular Fife park after a toilet was blown up and explosives left lying around.

Part of Craigtoun Country Park was cordoned off following the destruction, believed to have been caused by a type of firework used by farmers to scare birds.

Specialist officers from Explosive Ordnance Disposal were drafted in and detonated other rockets left behind in a toilet block at the St Andrews visitor destination.

A warning was issued that children could have been put in danger during the incident, which was discovered on Tuesday morning.

The park, which has a miniature train, boating pond and play areas, is a magnet for families during the school summer holidays.

Over recent weeks it has suffered a spate of vandalism but Kyffin Roberts, chairman of the Friends of Craigtoun Park, said the latest attack was the worst yet.

He said: “Vandalism has been going on for weeks, but this takes it to another level. Someone could really have been hurt.”

Messages of support flooded in for park volunteers from those disgusted by the incident, but Mr Roberts said: “It’s disheartening for the volunteers.

“We put a lot of effort into keeping the place running so people can enjoy themselves.”

Mr Roberts called police at 9.30am on Tuesday and the area was sealed off until around noon.

Local community sergeant Neil Johnston said: “This park is well-loved and well used, particularly by children.

“Following the discovery by staff a large section of the park had to be sealed off whilst EOD attended to ensure the items left behind were safe.

“This was mindless destruction of property which deprived visitors to the park use of the facilities and could potentially have put children at risk.”

Police Scotland has launched an investigation to try to identify those responsible and anyone with information has been urged to call 101.

This was mindless destruction of property which deprived visitors to the park use of the facilities. SGT NEIL JOHNSTON

Pictures: Kim Cessford. Above: vice-chairman of Friends of Craigtoun Country Park Doug Stephen at the entrance gate which is fenced off; below: the toilet which was destroyed by a firework.