Praise for duo who disarmed man trying to smash shopfront

Bravery recognised by letters from the local police officers

Two men have been praised for their bravery after wresting a hammer from a man during an incident in a busy Glenrothes shopping precinct.

Mustapha Zemoura and Kenneth Oliver courageously stepped in to restrain the man before emergency services arrived.

Police were called to Jessop Jewellers in the Kingdom Centre amid reports of a man brandishing a hammer and trying to smash the shopfront.

The incident occurred shortly after 1pm on August 23 in Lyon Way.

Mustapha and Kenneth, who were nearby, stepped in and when officers arrived the suspect was arrested on suspicion of attempted theft.

They were presented with letters of appreciation for their intervention from local officers of Police Scotland.

Inspector Joanne McEwan, of Glenrothes Police Station, said: “Clearly this incident had the potential to cause a great deal of fear and alarm in the Kingdom Centre.

“It is therefore all the more remarkable that these two men stepped forward to intervene, quite possibly preventing further incident.

“The work of the police so often relies upon the support of the local community and this is an outstanding example of personal bravery.

“For me, it was important to recognise their actions and to pass on my gratitude and that of the officers at Glenrothes Police Station.

“Community partnerships are fundamental to our role and we thank Mr Zemoura and Mr Oliver for their actions.”

The man arrested was remanded in custody and subsequently appeared in court.

This is an outstanding example of personal bravery. INSPECTOR JOANNE MCEWAN

From left: James McGregor, security officer; Kenneth Oliver, PC Laura Piercy, jeweller Paul Jessop and Mustapha Zemoura.