Coastguard search sparked by fake flare

A distress flare which prompted a major search was fired from land in what the coastguard believes was a malicious act.

Three coastguard teams and a lifeboat were called out to search after a vessel off Peterhead spotted the flare at around 8.45pm on Saturday.

It was not clear whether it had been fired from sea or land so both areas had to be searched.

The flare was found in the Dales Park area of Peterhead at around 10pm.

Aberdeen Coastguard have reported the matter to police.

EAST LOTHIAN