Residents evacuated after car smashes into block of flats in Lower Methil

The damage to the Erskine Court flats and the Peugeot which was hit.

Police are still trying to trace the driver, who fled the scene after the accident which happened around 7.45pm.

He was driving a white BMW which hit a Peugeot car.

Police, fire and ambulance services were all in attendance and High Street was cordoned off for several hours until the damage was cleared.

It is believed there were two passengers in the car.

Residents in the three-storey Erskine Court flats had to be evacuated while the building was assessed for structural damage.

A spokesman for Police Scotland said: “The driver fled the scene, however officers are looking to trace him as quickly as possible and are following a positive line of inquiry.

“A number of local residents had to be evacuated from their homes while engineers assessed the damage to their building.

The street was cordoned off for several hours.

“Most have since returned, however work to stabilise the structure is planned.

“No-one has been reported injured as a result of this incident.

“Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact police on 101.”

Keith Brown, Fife Council housing manager, said: “Officers were in attandance at Erskine Court last night and have temporarliy secured the building but a full investigation will be carried out today (Tuesday) to determine the extent of the damage and the necessary repairs.

“Two households have been affected and we are in contact with them to discuss their housing options while repairs are being carried out.”

High Street is already a 20mph zone, with speed bumps, but a local councillor is calling for tougher action to clamp down on speeding ‘boy racers’.

“Police are already piloting a scheme in Levenmouth which has led to 50 cars being seized and sent to the crusher,” said Councillor John O’Brien.

“You’re getting young guys moving away from flying about on motor bikes and instead they buy cars for £50 and £60, with no MOTs, tax or insurance, and are racing about the streets.

“The pilot scheme should be extended.”

However, local shopkeeper Alistair Robb, proprietor of Budget Micro, disputed that it was boy racers who were the problem in High Street - saying the speed bumps put them off - and it was buses which ignored the 20mph limit.

He said speeding cars were an issue on the by-pass road which skirted Lower Methil.