An investigation has been launched following an apparent sectarian attack on a priest and churchgoers as they made their way to Mass.

The incident happened on Tuesday evening outside the church of St John & St Columba in Rosyth, Fife.

A gang of youths threw eggs and shouted anti-Catholic abuse at the priest and parishioners.

It is understood officers are treating the attack as a hate crime.

Parish priest Father Kevin Dow said: "It's dreadfully sad that in today's Scotland we still have young people who seem to be brought up or encouraged from elsewhere to be anti-Catholic and to do so in an open, intimidating and violent way."

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: "Police in Fife received a report of a disturbance outside St John's Church in Rosyth on the evening of Tuesday January 17.

"Officers are following a positive line of inquiry."

Anyone with information can contact police via 101.