Pensioner, 97, could have been ‘assaulted’ prior to passing away

KINGLASSIE: Death of OAP found in her home treated as ‘unexplained’ pending further police inquiries

An elderly pensioner found dead in her Fife home is thought to have been assaulted prior to her death, it has emerged.

The Courier has learned a 35-yearold man was arrested on Saturday in connection with an alleged assault on 97-year-old Annie Temple in the West End area of Kinglassie. The arrest was not in connection with her death and he was later released pending further inquiries, police said.

Ms Temple, who lived alone in a bungalow in the street, had been discovered more than a week earlier, at around 11.10am on Friday October 25, by officers responding to a report of concern for her welfare.

Police Scotland maintain Ms Temple’s death is still being treated as “unexplained” pending further enquiries.

Officers have been seen carrying out door-to-door enquiries every day since her body was found inside the property.

Detectives have so far refused to reveal if the man arrested in connection with the alleged assault on Ms Temple was known to her, but they have stressed he had not been arrested in connection with her death.

The Courier understands the two incidents are currently being treated separately by police, although forensic investigations at Ms Temple’s home are continuing to find out the circumstances surrounding her passing.

No further details have been divulged about when the assault is alleged to have taken place, or when Ms Temple – who was known locally as Nan – passed away.

A Police Scotland spokeswoman could only confirm the investigation is still “live”, and there was no update on statements previously given to the press.

Local residents say there has been police activity in the street since last Wednesday, with police cars often spotted stationed in the area overnight.

Businesses in Kinglassie have also been asked for any CCTV footage that may shed some light on Ms Temple’s final movements.

Neighbours told earlier this week how Ms Temple had been viewed as a “nice old lady” who had lived independently until a few months ago, with health visitors and meals on wheels workers spotted going in and out of the property in recent weeks.

Anyone with any information which may assist the ongoing investigation should contact Police Scotland on 101.

Picture: Steve Brown. Police conduct doorto-door inquiries after the body was found in the pensioner’s home last week.