Two police officers are reported to have suffered injuries after a man wielding an axe threatened staff at a Fife supermarket on Wednesday morning.
Staff have been praised for ushering frightened shoppers into a warehouse for safety as security personnel attempted to apprehend the man, who is said to have returned to the store for a second time brandishing an axe after previously being asked to leave.
The incident happened at around 9am at the Asda supermarket in Fullerton Road, Glenrothes.
One eyewitness said the man threw a shopping trolley and baskets at staff, as well at at the entrance to the store, as security personnel attempted to calm the man down.
A shopper, who did not want to be named, said she had been at the self-service checkout near the entrance doors when she heard a “very loud noise”.
She added: “I saw a man come in the front door and he threw something into the shop – I can’t be sure what it was.
“By this time there was a big staff presence and he continued to throw stuff in the doors, like plants, and I believe he also picked up a trolley but I didn’t see if he threw this or not.
“I think the staff managed to get the doors closed, but then one of the members of staff said he was coming back with an axe.
“I was so shocked and disgusted at what had just happened, and I really felt for the poor staff who had to deal with such behaviour.”
Two police officers are understood to have suffered minor injuries in the incident.
Police arrived at the scene and were seen escorting a male from the store a short time later.
Supermarket staff have been praised by their employer for keeping customers safe during the ordeal.
A spokesperson for Asda said: ‘’We have been made aware of an incident that took place at the Glenrothes store earlier today and would like to praise all of our colleagues at the store who acted quickly and effectively until authorities arrived.
“The store is now reopen and we are working with the police in their inquiries.”
Eyewitnesses also praised the quick thinking of staff at the store.
One shopper, who was just few feet away from incident when it unfolded, said: “I was so shocked and disgusted at what had just happened, and I really felt for the poor staff who had to deal with such behaviour.
“I was a bit shaken when I arrived at my work, but the staff were very quick in responding.”
The store was closed for a period of time before reopening.
