The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Pair face firearm charges after Fife incident
COURT: Armed police raced to scene after panicked residents reported gun fears
Two men have appeared in court charged with possessing a gun during an incident which saw a Kirkcaldy street put on lockdown.
Emergency services raced to the scene in the Templehall area at around 5.40pm on Tuesday after a flurry of calls from panicked residents.
Specialist officers including an armed response unit and dog handlers flooded the Valley Gardens area as the incident unfolded.
Uniformed police threw up a large cordon in the area as they combed through neighbouring gardens and roadside undergrowth in the search for evidence.
Police confirmed they had arrested two men in connection with the drama – which saw a heavy police presence in the area for several hours – the following morning.
David Hough appeared in private at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court on Wednesday afternoon, where he made no plea.
The 37-year-old has been charged with possessing a firearm with the intent to cause fear or violence.
He is also accused of vandalism and two counts of threatening and abusive behaviour.
Hough, of East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire, was remanded in custody and is expected to reappear within eight days.
Co-accused Alan Steele also appeared in private during a brief hearing. The 27-year-old faces one charge of threatening and abusive behaviour and possession of a firearm.
The Glasgow man made no plea and was granted bail. He is also expected to appear at a later date.
At the time of their arrest, Police Scotland said no weapon had been recovered but inquiries were ongoing.
More drama unfolded in the same area on Wednesday evening after police were called to reports of an unconnected disturbance on Valley Gardens South.
Worried locals watched on as police apprehended two men during the incident.
A Police Scotland spokeswoman yesterday said: “Police in Kirkcaldy have arrested and charged two men in connection with a disturbance that happened on Wednesday July 4.
“Officers were called to an address in Valley Gardens South around 7.20pm.
“The men aged 20 and 21 years old will appear at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court.”