Public urged to stay away from Limekilns beach after 'oil spill'

Locals are being urged to stay away from Limekilns beach after an apparent oil spill.

Experts from SEPA and Marine Scotland have been in attendance at the stretch of coast investigating the issue.

The cause is not yet known but officials are working to establish the source.

Fife Council has warned people to avoid contact with the beach and the water.

A statement from the local authority says: "Fife Council is working with partners including SEPA , NHS Fife, Marine Scotland and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to investigate and clean up an oil based spill in the Limekilns / Charlestown area of the Fife coast. Limekilns beach and the area adjacent to the harbour have been affected and both sites have now been closed off to the public.

Since sightings of an oil-based product on the beach were reported earlier this morning, council teams have been on site erecting warning signs and starting a clean-up operation following defined plans for such incidents. The contaminated seaweed is being contained and investigations into the source of the pollution are ongoing.

The council will continue to work with partners on the clean-up operation and the public are advised to avoid the area until this is complete."