Police Scotland were called to a residential area in Dunfermline, Fife, on Sunday evening, 16 March 2025, following reports of an angry mob gathering outside a house. Officers arrived at approximately 6.50pm after a social media campaign called for community members to protest against a man believed to be a convicted child sex abuser, prompting local residents to demand action for what they perceived as a threat to children in the area.

The protesters gathered outside the man’s home, voicing their outrage and concerns for local children, particularly with schools located within walking distance. A spokesperson for the group that organised the rally expressed a desire for the protest to remain peaceful and urged attendees not to take the law into their own hands. The group claimed to stand for raising awareness and protecting the vulnerable by exposing such offenders.

As the police facilitated the situation, the man was escorted from the property and into a police van, leading to heightened tensions as some members of the crowd attempted to push past officers. Video recordings from the scene depicted law enforcement officers intervening to maintain order. One officer can be heard instructing the crowd to “stay back,” while another stated, “you can stand there but you’re not going to get any further forward.” Once the man was safely in the van, officers managed to disperse the remaining crowd.

Community reactions were predominantly shared on social media, with residents expressing their anger and concern. One resident remarked, “I’m in this street with four kids, we need to protest and get this guy out,” while another commented about the distressing reality of safety for children in their neighbourhood. Additional responses included expressions of gratitude towards the protesters, with some stating, “Well done to the decent folks who got him out,” reflecting a community effort perceived as necessary.

In a separate incident in Blackburn, England, on 28 January 2025, 19-year-old Ali Zaman attempted to evade police while driving a black BMW. Officers from the East Targeted Crime Team initiated contact with Zaman due to suspicious driving behaviour. In a bid to escape, Zaman reversed the vehicle dangerously before attempting to flee on foot after officers located him moments later.

During a search, police discovered Zaman had £320 in cash, a BMW key, and various house keys on his person. Further investigation led to the recovery of a chewing gum container containing heroin and crack cocaine, valued at approximately £1,080, under the rear wheel of the vehicle. Zaman’s residence was later searched, uncovering additional evidence including weighing scales and a bulking agent used in drug preparation, along with messages on his phone linked to drug dealing activities.

Zaman was subsequently charged with possession with intent to supply drugs and dangerous driving. He appeared in court on 17 March 2025, pleading guilty to the charges, and was sentenced to three years and two months in prison. Detective Constable Dan Burton stated that the operation to apprehend Zaman was made possible through community intelligence, emphasising the importance of public reporting in tackling drug-related crimes.

The contrasting events in Dunfermline and Blackburn highlight ongoing community issues surrounding safety and crime, as local residents remain vigilant in their efforts to protect their neighbourhoods.

Source: Noah Wire Services