POLICE today warned fans of a controversial extreme sport craze they could face charges if the public are injured.

Daredevil fans of Parkour, or free running, have been seen scaling City Centre buildings and jumping, balancing and running over them.

Police say the latest hotspot for the sport is the Gallery of Modern Art, which has long been a favourite area for skateboarders.

Two youths were seen climbing up to the windows, then around the building and jumping from railings to pillars.

And, in another incident, police were called after a man was seen leaping from a building in St Vincent Street last week.

Although police are not out to stop the enthusiasts, they have warned that if members of the public were harmed or alarmed, charges could be brought.

Community Inspector Ronnie Little said: "If participants are causing alarm or annoyance to others then they could be liable for a caution and a charge of breach of the peace."

The warning comes after a 16-year-old girl was seriously injured when she fell through a skylight.

The girl had been imitating parkour experts with dangerous leaps over roofs in St Andrews, Fife, last month.

She was taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee and underwent surgery for an arm injury.

Founded in France, Parkour was, until recently, a little-known underground activity.

The sport was developed in the 1990s by David Belle who copied moves his dad learned in the army.