Bank duo may be abroad

Detective Inspector Colin Robson, who is leading the enquiry, has revealed Interpol and border agencies were contacted following the raid on a TSB branch in Templehall on January 29

The duo brandished a handgun and crowbar at staff and customers, managing to steal a four-figure sum of cash before making their escape on mountain bikes.

One suspect was said to have spoken with an Eastern European accent and CCTV images released of the two men identified one was wearing clothing by ‘Mordex’, a Polish manufacturer.

Police have released posters in Russian and Polish appealing for information from the public and hope a wider search may provide vital clues to the robbers’ current whereabouts.

Det. Inspector Robson said: “There is a large Eastern European community within Kirkcaldy and wider Fife.

“They might stay locally and be private people? Are they visiting friends and family in the area? Or have they travelled from outwith Kirkcaldy for the purposes of committing this crime?

“We have travelling crime groups across the country, including Eastern European groups, so we’re reaching out to other areas and divisions.

He added: “Also, through Interpol, you try to reach out to the Eastern European communities, making them aware of the crime.

“If they’ve left the country then how would they do that? We’re looking at ports and border authorities in case somebody recognises them.”