A Kirkcaldy man has died in hospital after being the victim of a stabbing in broad daylight on Saturday evening.
James Beveridge, 41, affectionately known locally as ‘Bevy’, passed away from wounds sustained during an incident in the town’s Farne Court shortly after 6pm.
It is understood Mr Beveridge was stabbed at least once in the neck and was rushed to Kirkcaldy’s Victoria Hospital where doctors said he was in a “critical” condition late on Saturday night.
However, despite the best efforts of medical staff, Mr Beveridge lost his fight for life just hours later.
The incident has shocked the community of Templehall and comes fewer than four months after the murder of father-of-two Darren Adie elsewhere in the Fife town.
A spokesperson for Police Scotland confirmed: “Police in Fife were called to an incident in Farne Court in Kirkcaldy at around 6.10pm on Saturday October 15.
“Officers are currently pursuing a positive line of enquiry in connection with this incident.
“However, anyone with information that can help is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
The Courier understands that a man has been detained by police in connection with the incident, and police are expected to retain a heavy police presence in the area to provide some reassurance to the public.
A large cordon has been set up in Farne Court, and forensic tents have been erected at the spot where Saturday’s attack took place.
Mr Beveridge, who has a daughter, is understood to have lived locally for many years and was a well-known face in Templehall.
He was often seen walking his two dogs in the area.
His daughter Chantelle paid a moving tribute to him on social media on Sunday, simply saying: “RIP Daddy”.
Chief Inspector Steven Hamilton, from Kirkcaldy Police Station, said: “Our inquiries are at an early stage but we believe this to have been an isolated incident and the wider community need not be alarmed.
“We would ask anyone who has information that can assist us to please get in touch.
“There will be high-visibility patrols in the area to provide community reassurance and members of the public are encouraged to speak to an officer.”
