By Lars Niven

FIFE POLICE confirmed yesterday afternoon there are not thought to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of a woman in Dunfermline.

However, they are keeping an open mind for the time being.

The woman’s body was discovered by a council workman just inside one of the main gates leading into Pittencrieff Park, not far from the town centre.

He made the grim find in a clump of undergrowth at the entrance next to the abbey at about 9am as he began picking up litter from the night before.

The man rushed back to council offices within the park and immediately contacted the police.

He led officers to where the dead woman lay.

Detectives sealed St Catherine’s Wynd and taped off parts of the park leading to the area where the body was found.

They even cordoned off the abbey graveyard, which overlooks part of the park.

The dead woman, who is in her 40s, has not been named.

It is understood she may well have been out on the town on Thursday night.

Officers are to study footage from the town’s extensive CCTV camera network in an attempt to establish her last known movements.

At least one of the cameras at the foot of the High Street overlooks the Kirkgate and St Catherine’s Wynd.

A police doctor was called in to examine the body and scenes of crime officers combed the area for clues.

The gate on St Catherine’s Wynd is not far from the town centre and is just yards from a number of pubs and clubs, including Life, The Creepy Wee Pub, The Old Inn and Tappie Toories.

There are several shops and cafes in the area as well.

A member of staff at one, who asked not to be named, said, “The police told us they found a woman’s body just inside the park, but couldn’t tell us anything else.

“There’s been police coming in and out all morning, but you can’t see anything because they’re stopping people from getting too close.”

Detective Inspector Alex Watson, who is leading the investigation, said, “While we are continuing our inquiries to establish the cause of death, initial indications are that there are no suspicious circumstances.

“A report will be sent to the procurator fiscal.”

A police spokeswoman said no further information would be issued until the dead woman’s relatives have been informed.

Pittencrieff Park, or the Glen as it is known locally, was gifted to the people of Dunfermline by steel magnate Andrew Carnegie.

It is looked after by Fife Council, which has a dedicated team of grounds staff based in the park, and remains open at night.

The council workman who found the body was sent home for the day.