Police are hunting a man with a "distinctive swagger" after a gorse fire broke out on cliffs near a Fife coastal path.

Officers in St Andrews are looking into the circumstances surrounding the fire at the East Sands that took hold at 7.30am on Wednesday.

Firefighters spent three hours tackling the blaze on cliffs near the East Sands Leisure Centre that covered an area of 10m by 60m.

The fire left a large area of land scorched and police are appealing for help to identify a man seen "acting suspiciously" in the area.

He is described as between 40 and 60, of medium build and was wearing a beige hoodie, black trousers and a black beanie hat.

A police spokeswoman said witnesses noted he walked with a "distinctive swagger" and was seen carrying a white plastic bag.

St Andrews ward sergeant Pat Turner said: "This is a worrying incident that could have had far more serious consequences had the fire been able to spread.

"The smoke from the fire was blown towards a nearby caravan park, which was very concerning for the residents.

"In addition the incident tied up police and fire service resources for some considerable time, which could have had serious repercussions should there have been another incident in the area."

A spokeswoman for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: "As we enter the time of year where we typically see warmer weather we would also expect to see an increase in the amount of woodland, grass and forest fires.

"Our crews work hard to provide education and advice about the risks and also respond when fires do break out.

"The public can help them to keep people safe by heeding our safety advice and sharing it with others."

Anyone who has any information in relation to this incident is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.