Police appeal after fight leaves two in hospital

Two men due in court today as bottles thrown on town streets

A pair of males were arrested yesterday after a mass brawl in the centre of St Andrews left two young men hospitalised.

Bottles were thrown as a group of up to 10 drunken youths fought in the town centre in the early hours of Saturday morning.

When police arrived they discovered the two casualties, who were taken to Ninewells Hospital.

A 16-year-old and a 20-year-old were arrested and are expected to appear at Dundee Sheriff Court today.

The alarm was raised by a number of people who dialled 999 at around 2.40am on Saturday.

The brawl began in Playfair Terrace as the large group, believed to be in their late teens and early twenties, chased each other through Bell Street, South Street and Abbey Street, where the injured men were found.

A motorbike was also stolen from the Canongate, which is thought may be in the Methil area.

Police spent the weekend reviewing CCTV footage and carrying out door-todoor inquiries as they investigated what they said was a serious disturbance.

They said they also hoped dash-cam footage from taxis would help identify those involved.

An appeal was issued for help from anyone with information about the incident.

Detective Chief Inspector John Anderson said: “This was a serious disturbance which has left two young men with serious facial injuries.

“The group involved are described as being in the 18-23 years old age band and were wearing jeans and jumpers.

“We believe they were in the St Andrews town centre for some time last night (Friday) under the influence of alcohol and people may have cause to have been alarmed about their behaviour.

“From our inquires, we understand that a group of males have been involved in a physical confrontation that started on Playfair Terrace, culminating on Abbey Street when these males were injured. We know that during this time, the males confronted and chased each other by throwing bottles on Bell Street and South Street and believe that people in the town that night would have seen this.

“I would be particularly interested to speak to any taxi drivers who were working and had been parked at the rank on Bell Street who may have seen the group confront each other and who may also have dash-cam footage that may assist our inquires.”

Confirming yesterday’s arrests, Mr Anderson said: “We would like to reassure the local community that we are continuing to follow positive lines of enquiry to establish the involvement of others in this incident and I would like to thank the public for their assistance.”

He said the theft of the motorbike, reported shortly after 3am, was believed to be linked to the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to call St Andrews police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Males confronted and chased each other by throwing bottles on Bell Street and South Street.

DETECTIVE CHIEF INSPECTOR JOHN ANDERSON