Groups of people using lurcher-type dogs searching for and chasing hares were spotted in the St Andrews, Kingsbarns and Auchtermuchty areas.

Members of the public raised awareness of the illegal events, which occurred between February 9 and 12.

Pc Lindsay Kerr, wildlife and environmental crime co-ordinator for Fife, said: "Hare coursing is taken extremely seriously by police - those taking part have no regard for the community and land on which they practise this illegal activity, and we will take all necessary steps to investigate and bring offenders before the courts.

"Anyone with information about hare coursing, or who witnesses any suspicious activity on fields or farmland, should call police on 101 or 999 if a crime is in progress."

It is illegal to hunt hares using dogs under the Protection of Wild Mammals (Scotland) Act 2002.