Force ‘confident’ of catching suspect

Police are convinced the net is closing on the man responsible for Wednesday’s elaborate bank heist.

The fact the suspect spoke with a “distinctive Eastern European” accent could narrow down the search, and Superintendent Derek McEwan believes that could shed some light on his identity.

“We’ve engaged with representatives of that community with whom we have very strong relationships with,” he said.

“I’m certain that the law-abiding members of that community will be doing all they can to assist us.

“With the resources we are putting into this inquiry, I am confident we will bring this to a successful conclusion because this nature of crime is rare within our community.”

Detective Inspector Charlie Duncan added: “I believe the male we are looking for may have been hanging about in the area of the small industrial estate on The Avenue, Lochgelly, between 12.15 and 12.40pm on Wednesday, before he was able to get a taxi to take him to Kirkcaldy.

“I believe he was carrying a large blue canvas holdall with distinctive stripes on the corners. This male may have walked to this location from Lochgelly or may have been delivered there by another vehicle.

“We have recovered the holdall after the robbery; however, I am not in a position to release an image of it at this time.

“I also know the male left the area of Carberry Road, Kirkcaldy, as he has been seen running along Carberry Place, which leads to the rear of the Asda store.

“I believe he may have tried to leave the area immediately and in doing so may have again used a taxi or public transport, which would have been around 2pm.

“I would ask anyone who believes they may have transported this male to come forward.”

Initial reports suggested a bomb was involved but a search uncovered no explosives.

Bomb disposal experts were called in but no explosives were found.