Nitrous oxide cylinders stolen from Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy

The cylinders were stored in the hospital's dental unit

Thieves stole four gas cylinders containing nitrous oxide during a break-in at Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy.

The incident happened some time overnight between Wednesday and Thursday.

Entry was forced to the dental unit where the cylinders were stored.

Police Scotland said inquiries were at an early stage and appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

PC Sean Frew, from Kirkcaldy Police Station, said: "At this time we do not know if the cylinders have been stolen for resale purposes or for whoever took them to abuse the nitrous oxide within them.

"However, the cylinders themselves are quite cumbersome and heavy to move, meaning a vehicle was likely used during their theft.

"With that in mind, anyone who remembers seeing a suspicious vehicle around the hospital on either Wednesday evening or the early hours of Thursday morning should contact police immediately.

"In addition, anyone with any further information relevant to this investigation should also get in touch."