Man held as police probe attempted murder of woman at beauty spot

FIFE: 23-year-old in critical condition in hospital following woodland incident

A woman is in a critical condition in hospital as police investigate an attempted murder at a Fife beauty spot.

Officers, including a police dog search team, rushed to Woodend Community Woodland on the B981, on the outskirts of Cowdenbeath, following reports that a woman had been found injured by a member of the public.

The area surrounding the woodland was sealed off as an investigation got under way.

Police Scotland said a man in his early 20s was in custody as officers continue with their inquiries.

A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “A report was received of a 23-yearold woman who was found injured in a wooded area off Broad Street in Cowdenbeath around 6.10pm on Sunday August 30.

“She has been taken to hospital for treatment, where she is in a critical but stable condition.

“A 22-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident, which is being treated as attempted murder, and inquiries are ongoing.”

The incident has left people living close to the woodland shocked.

One local resident, said: “Out of nowhere there were a lot of sirens and then police were everywhere taping off the woods. It’s very worrying to have such an incident take place on your doorstep especially as the woods are very popular.”

The woodland, which is a popular destination for walkers and dog owners, was still taped off yesterday, more than 24 hours after the alarm was first raised.

Police vehicles were parked at all three of the public entrances.

Police have appealed for anyone who was in the Broad Street area, or the woods, at the time to come forward.

Anyone with information is urged to call 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Picture: Wullie Marr. Officers, including a police dog search team, were called to Woodend Community Woodland.