Major police probe after man dies near town flats

Police seal off garages and alleyway after grim morning discovery

A major investigation has been launched after the body of a man was found in a Kirkcaldy street early yesterday.

Police cordoned off an area of Adam Smith Court after the grim discovery was made shortly before 9.45am and officers were stationed at the scene throughout the day.

The Courier has learned the man was found with serious injuries in the street and was pronounced dead at the scene, although detectives are understood to be treating the death as “unexplained” at this moment in time.

Police tape could be seen preventing access to garages and an alleyway understood to lead through to a courtyard area at the rear of the blocks of flats.

A Police Scotland spokesperson confirmed: “Around 9.41am on Sunday December 23, a man was found dead on Adam Smith Court.

“Officers are currently in attendance and inquiries are ongoing.”

The flats themselves are in a sought- after part of Kirkcaldy town centre, with properties at the front of the complex looking on to the Esplanade and out on to the Firth of Forth.

It is understood the man’s body was found in a courtyard to the west of the development, which is fully enclosed by large commercial premises in and around the town centre.

Access can only be gained by the alleyway that was taped off as police continued their initial investigations into the circumstances surrounding the man’s death.

Detectives could be seen conducting door-to-door inquiries throughout the blocks of flats during the afternoon.

One neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said she was shocked to see police activity in a normally quiet part of town.

“We only heard that a body had been found this morning – the place was crawling with police officers, forensics and CID earlier on, but we really don’t know what’s happened,” she said.

“It’s shocking at the best of times but it’s even more tragic this close to Christmas.

“Somebody’s going to get a knock at the door aren’t they? It’s horrible.

“We’d heard the body was still in the courtyard area this afternoon, so the police are obviously taking it seriously.”

Anyone who may have any information should contact 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police in the area around Adam Smith Court in Kirkcaldy where the man’s body was found.