A shooting suspect who is believed to have fled to the Republic of Ireland following an attack on a Fife businessman’s house remains on the run.
The Courier understands police forces on both sides of the Irish Sea are still trying to track down the man responsible for discharging a firearm multiple times in a quiet Kirkcaldy suburb back on May 19.
The incident shocked the affluent Seafield area of town and saw an increased police presence in Craigfoot Walk, where the house belonging to local businessman Mohammed Javaid appeared to be deliberately targeted.
A 27-year-old man was subsequently identified as a possible suspect and the focus of the investigation switched to Ireland, as Police Scotland confirmed it was working closely with Interpol and the Garda to make an arrest.
However, despite an international arrest warrant being issued, the various parties involved in the shooting probe have yet to make a breakthrough.
Detective Inspector Colin Robson said: “A 27-year-old man has been reported to the procurator fiscal in relation to this matter.
“However, we believe he is currently within the Republic of Ireland.
“As such we intend to utilise the specialist resources of the Police Scotland Fugitive Unit (PSFU) in order to trace and arrest him.
“In addition, and as part of this ongoing effort we are continuing to work closely with Interpol, the Guarda and the Crown Office.
“I would again like to thank the local community for their patience while we carry out this important work and offer a reassurance that Police Scotland treats all reports of firearms offences with the utmost seriousness and, whenever crimes of this nature occur, we will conduct a thorough investigation to bring those responsible to justice.”
No further details about the suspect have been released by Police Scotland, although the PSFU is heavily involved in the operation to find him.
The PSFU is used to find people wanted on European or international arrest warrants, with officers in the unit tasked with apprehending those who have apparently evaded capture from Scottish investigations.
However, this can often be a lengthy process given the international elements involved – and is causing some frustration on this side of the water.
At the time of the incident, police stressed they believed the shooting in Craigfoot Walk was “not random”, although thankfully no-one was injured.
Mr Javaid’s luxury property and car were hit in the hours of darkness on the night in question, although most residents were unaware anything had happened until daylight broke the following morning.
When pressed for comment, a spokesman for Ireland’s police force remained tight-lipped on the nature of its involvement in the case.
“An Garda Siochana do not comment on correspondence or communications with other police forces,” the spokesman confirmed.
