A Fife beach has been closed to the public following an overnight oil spill.
Experts are currently assessing the contamination at the sands in Limekilns and Charlestown in the west of the region and a cordon has been thrown up around the area.
Locals have reported a stench of oil and a black oil-like substance over a large section of coastline.
A spokesman for Forth Ports confirmed the organisation was investigating a “reported small oil spill” at Limekilns.
“It appears to be a light refined diesel,” he said.
“On receiving the initial report, Forth Ports immediately sent a pollution response vessel to the area to investigate and nothing was found on the water.
“Subsequent investigations from our on-scene response suggest the spill has come from a drain on the land.
“We are working with Sepa and Fife Council on this.”
Fife Council said they were aware of the contamination on the beach and officers were on their way to the site to assess any actions required.
Local SNP MP Douglas Chapman is also aware of the incident.
“My team have spoken to the coastguard on site and they are urging people to avoid the area,” he said.
In a statement, the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (Sepa) said: “Whilst a clean-up is being led by Fife Coast & Countryside Trust, the source is currently unclear and early indications point to an isolated incident which is not ongoing.
“Sepa officers are actively investigating the incident and would ask the public to report any information, or further sightings of oily substances, to our 24 hour Pollution Hotline on 0800 80 70 60 or use our online form at www.sepa.org.uk/report.”
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