The fallout from a drama in Kinghorn continued as Police Scotland were accused of an “over-the-top response” to an incident which resulted in armed officers taking to the streets.
Eyewitnesses have told The Courier of their shock at the appearance of up to 13 police vans and two armed response units to the area around Costcutter in Rossland Place on Tuesday to deal with what was later described as a relatively minor breach of the peace.
One woman told how children enjoying the school holidays were terrified after seeing officers with guns hiding down back streets on what was one of the hottest afternoons of the summer so far.
However, police, who did not use their weapons, believe their response was proportionate.
It came as intense speculation being made on social media at the time suggested a potential assault and robbery in the town centre, possibly involving weapons.
Social media speculation at that time also claimed inaccurately that premises were being held up by an armed man and wrongly claimed that one of the assailants was carrying a submachine gun.
It is understood police had to take these claims seriously until they were discounted.
Residents and shoppers in the area of Rossland Place told how the fallout from the episode was still taking its toll, with some elderly people now too scared to venture out.
One woman, who asked not to be named, said: “The police reaction was completely over the top. It was cack-handed. It was like a terrorist attack had happened.
“There were officers with guns down the street hiding behind the bins, there were armed officers behind the doctors’ surgery.”
The woman added: “There were a lot of children going about and some were frightened at the sight of the guns.”
Another eyewitness said: “The scenes were unprecedented. I’ve lived in Kinghorn all my days and I’ve never seen anything like it.”
However, a different view was taken by another eyewitness, who said: “I’m glad the police responded the way they did. What if this had genuinely been a serious incident?”
The Costcutter shop lost around £700 in takings as a result of being closed while police carried out their investigations. Business in the area has been notably quieter since the incident, including trade at the local post office.
One local businessman said: “I think a lot of older people are too scared to come out. It’s a shame the whole thing was blown out of all proportion.”
Asked about their handling of the incident, a police spokesman refused to discuss police tactics.
Police confirmed on Wednesday that three men had been charged over breach of peace offences in Kinghorn on Tuesday and have been released on an undertaking.
The three are expected to appear at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court next month on charges relating to a number of individuals allegedly coming to blows in the street.
One of the three was treated at hospital for minor injuries to his arm.
On Wednesday, Police Scotland thanked the people of Kinghorn for their help, support and understanding in dealing with the incident.
Police said on Wednesday: “Fortunately, incidents like this are rare in this area and we will have extra officers on patrol here in the next few days and anyone who has concerns should speak to an officer or call Police Scotland on 101.”