Three Fife post offices have been targeted by armed robbers in one afternoon.
Staff at premises in Burntisland, Cowdenbeath and Kincardine are understood to have been threatened at knife point, while a fourth robbery has also reportedly taken place in Linlithgow.
Details are still emerging about the incidents, but it is understood that police believe all four are linked.
The first Fife incident took place at around 12.15pm in Cowdenbeath High Street where a man tried to get behind the counter area.
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It is understood he was refused access by staff who raised the alarm, and the man left the premises.
Around half an hour later, a man then made off with a four figure sum from Burntisland Post Office.
That robbery happened at the premises in the town’s High Street.
A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Police in Fife are appealing for witnesses following a robbery from a post office in Burntisland.
“The incident happened around 12.45pm on Monday January 9 at the premises on the High Street.
“A male entered in possession of a knife at staff before making off with a four-figure sum of cash.
“Inquiries are ongoing to trace the suspect and anyone with information is asked to come forward immediately.”
Burntisland councillor Peter George expressed shock at the raid, stating: “I cannot believe this has happened.
“They must have watched it to find out when it was open.”
Officers were then alerted to a third incident in Fife at the Post Office in Elphinstone Street, Kincardine, which occurred around 2.15pm.
A man in possession of a weapon entered and assaulted the female shopkeeper before making off with a quantity of cash.
Given the circumstances of the crimes, Police Scotland also revealed that officers are considering the links to an earlier theft in Linlithgow.
That took place at the Post Office in Linlithgow High Street at around 11.25am, when a man entered and stole a sum of cash from the till.
The suspect in each incident is described as white, in his 30s with a stocky build, with stubbly complexion.
He was also wearing dark clothing and a high-visibility jacket.
Detective Inspector Colin Robson, from Dunfermline CID, said: “These incidents were all extremely alarming for the staff involved and we are providing each of those affected with all the support they require will they assist us with our ongoing inquiries.
“We believe the same male was responsible for each of these crimes and would ask that anyone who can help us to identify this individual contacts police immediately.
“Anyone with any other information relevant to this investigation is also urged to get in touch.”
“We are also working closely with Post Office Counters with a view to raising awareness and prevent further crimes.”
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Post Office added: “Post Office can confirm that attempted robberies were made at our branches in Burntisland, Linlithgow, Cowdenbeath and Kincardine today.
“The people who run our Post Office branches provide important services to local communities.
“Any robbery or attempted robbery is very traumatic for the victims and we will be supporting the Police in their efforts to apprehend those responsible.
“Post Office would urge anyone with information to contact the police or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.”
Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or alternatively, the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
