Two armed robbers who raided a Kirkcaldy bank may have left the country, the man leading the hunt for the pair has said.
Detective Inspector Colin Robson has told The Courier that Interpol and border agencies have been contacted following the raid on the TSB branch in the Templehall area of the town five weeks ago.
The pair made off on mountain bikes with a four-figure sum of cash having brandished a handgun and crowbar at staff and customers.
With at least one of the suspects said to have spoken with an Eastern European accent, Mr Robson said that an international aspect to the crime could not be ruled out.
“There is a large Eastern European community within Kirkcaldy and wider Fife.
“They might stay locally and be private people? Are they visiting friends and family in the area? Or have they travelled from outwith Kirkcaldy for the purposes of committing this crime?
“We have travelling crime groups across the country, including Eastern European groups, so we’re reaching out to other areas and divisions.
“Also, through Interpol, you try to reach out to the Eastern European communities, making them aware of the crime.
“If they’ve left the country then how would they do that? We’re looking at ports and border authorities in case somebody recognises them.”
Several customers were in the small branch on Dunearn Drive on the morning of Friday January 29.
CCTV images were swiftly released by police of two men, with subsequent assistance from the Fife Migrants Forum described as “very helpful” by Mr Robson.
Information obtained through these lines has identified a line of clothing worn by one suspect as “Mordex”, a Polish manufacturer.
The images also prompted a huge public response, which while helpful, has failed to provide the breakthrough sought by officers.