Arrests made following Fife mass brawl and M90 violence

Two men have been arrested in connection with a large-scale disturbance in Fife over the summer.

Police also recovered a number of weapons including a firearm and ammunition in an operation targeting the Thornton area yesterday.

On 20th July, up to 20 men were involved in a mass brawl in Thornton’s Balbeggie Avenue.

Five days later a further disturbance took place on the M90 motorway near Dunfermline.

Detective Inspector Paul Dick said: “This day of action was a pivotal moment in a painstaking CID inquiry into these serious disturbances. Both incidents caused great concern and fear to the public; those who either witnessed them or were subsequently affected by the large police presence we put in place to ensure the safety of our local communities.

“Immediately after these incidents we were able to quickly make arrests and report a number of people to the Procurator Fiscal.

“Additionally, whilst working with our partners in the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA), the UK Immigration Services and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), further police activity was carried out in the Thornton area.

“Our investigation will continue to identify and locate others who may have been involved in these incidents. Similarly, with our partners, we will, at any opportunity, continue to actively disrupt the activities of groups who choose to act in this manner in order to ensure the safety of the public.“

Police Scotland said a pre-planned operation was carried out on yesterday into both incidents.

Two men aged 38 and 19 were arrested and will be appearing at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court at a later date.

Detective Inspector Paul Dick said, “This day of action was a pivotal moment in a painstaking CID inquiry into these serious disturbances.

“Both incidents caused great concern and fear to the public; those who either witnessed them or were subsequently affected by the large police presence we put in place to ensure the safety of our local communities.

“Immediately after these incidents we were able to quickly make arrests and report a number of people to the procurator fiscal.

“Additionally, whilst working with our partners in the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (Vosa), the UK Immigration Services and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa), further police activity was carried out in the Thornton area.”