A suspected gunman is on the loose after robbing a Kirkcaldy bank.
Schools and businesses were put into lockdown after the man, claiming to have a firearm and explosives, confronted staff at the Bank of Scotland in the Mitchelston Industrial Estate at around 1.30pm on Wednesday.
It is thought the suspect held up a taxi driver and demanded to be taken to the bank.
A massive police operation swung into action and army bomb disposal experts were called in to remove a number of items from the scene.For in-depth coverage and reaction to the day’s drama, see Thursday’s CourierOfficers later said none of these items posed any risk to the public.
The police helicopter also spent hours scouring the area for signs of the suspect.
He is described as 5ft 6in and heavily built. He was was wearing dark glasses, a thick blue jacket and tracksuit bottoms and a dark baseball cap.
Pupils at the nearby St Andrew’s High, St Marie’s Primary and Kirkcaldy High schools were kept inside at the height of the emergency response but were later allowed to leave by agreed routes.
Shoppers at an Asda in the estate were also forced to stay in the store until given the all-clear.
Police said no-one was physically hurt during the incident but said it had been a traumatic time for everyone involved.
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.
See below for live updates from The Courier’sAileen Robertson, Claire Warrender, Leeza Clark, Dave Lord and photographer Kris Miller as the day unfolded: