Police officers removed a man from a property in Kirkcaldy after an angry mob gathered outside in protest against an alleged paedophile. Officers armed with riot shields were called to Links Street at around 7.55pm on Monday, 17 October, amid reports that a large crowd had gathered.
Footage from the scene shows furious crowds chanting "beast" and "get him out" as a female police officer stands guard at the entrance to a block of flats. A police van can be seen backing closer to the entrance as the baying mob continue to shout and jeer.
Six police officers stood outside the block of flats to manage the crowd as four officers entered. Two male officers, armed with riot shields then led a hooded man from the property and past the crowd into the awaiting van.
A 47-year-old was arrested and changed over threatening and abusive behaviour, and is set to appear at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court today.
Protesters are understood to have filmed a TikTok live stream of the protest, which was viewed by 5500 people. In the final tense moments of the clip, onlookers could be seen grappling with police as the van holding the man speeds away.
The crowd was dispersed by officers.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Police were made aware of a gathering outside a property in Links Street, Kirkcaldy, around 7.55pm on Monday, October 17, 2022.
“Officers attended and gave advice and assistance and the group later dispersed. A 47-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with threatening and abusive behaviour. He is due to appear at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court today.”
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