The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Dunfermline brought to standstill by man said to be throwing rocks.
Police in retail park stand-off
A police stand-off with a man reported to be throwing rocks from a high ledge brought traffic to a standstill in Dunfermline town centre.
Officers were dispatched to the disturbance at Carnegie Drive Retail Park at around 3.50pm yesterday and closed part of Carnegie Drive.
The man, who was topless, had climbed over a barrier on to a ledge above the retail park car park, near the B&Q store.
Witnesses said he had thrown rocks at cars parked below.
The busy road remained closed between Pilmuir Street and the Sinclair Gardens roundabout as commuters tried to get home during the rush hour.
Motorists reported near gridlock and being stuck in lengthy queues on surrounding roads for up to 50 minutes.
Buses were diverted and Stagecoach East Scotland apologised to passengers for what it described as “severe delays and congestion” in the town centre.
The man was brought down safely at around 5.30pm.
A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “He was a local guy who we were having issues getting hold of.
“We have a hold of him now, it is all dealt with.
“He is safe and well and now with police officers.”
Police had earlier confirmed that a man was “causing a disturbance” in the retail park area, resulting in some road closures.
There was a heavy police presence during the incident, with the busy road taped off to prevent members of the public venturing too close.
Witnesses reported seeing police dogs at the scene.
One local said the man had been “chucking rocks at cars in B&Q car park”.