A MANHUNT has been launched after a woman driver in Fife was stopped by a man pretending to be a police officer.
The sinister incident happened on a secluded back road near Cupar on Thursday morning.
The 56-year-old woman was driving between Springfield and Cupar, via the Cupar Muir road, about 6.40am when she was signalled to pull over.
She stopped and the man, who was not wearing police uniform, started asking her questions.
It is understood he was standing next to an unmarked vehicle with its hazard lights flashing.
The woman refused his request to get out of the car or to answer any more questions when he was unable to produce a warrant card.
She said she would go to nearby Cupar police station and the man said he would follow. However, when she arrived at the station there was no sign of the other vehicle.
Fife Constabulary emphasised that the circumstances were “really exceptional” and assured the public that any genuine police officer would be happy to show a warrant card.
They said that if a driver is pulled over this will always be done by an officer in uniform or with a marked car.
Jill Harper, Fife Constabulary area chief inspector for North East Fife, said: “Incidents like this are extremely rare and we are looking for members of the public to help us identify this man.
“He is described as white, 5ft 8in tall, of stocky build and with a local accent. He had dark hair and longish sideburns. He was also wearing dark trousers and a jacket.
“He was standing beside a light-coloured compact BMW car.
“This lady has acted correctly on this occasion. If you are unsure about anyone’s identity, always ask for identification. If they cannot produce any, then either call Fife Constabulary on 0845 600 5702, or ask them to follow you to the police station.”
Fife councillor Margaret Kennedy said: “This emphasises the relationship that our constabulary has had with the community.
“It’s a good example of an understanding of how they should behave and what the public should expect from officers.
“In this circumstance, the woman who was pulled over has clearly had the presence of mind to be careful, and for that she should be commended.”
malexander@thecourier.co.uk