Police are probing a fire which was started deliberately at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court - forcing the closure of the building.

It happened in the early hours of the morning, sparking a response from the emergency services. Police cordoned off part of the Town Square as fire crews dealt with the incident at the front door. They spent more than two hours at the scene at the entrance to the Whytescauseway building after being called out around 5:00am. Police say the fire was started deliberately. The blaze caused some charring to the entrance.

All court business was put on hold with criminal cases transferred to the nearby court annexe at the police station at nearby St Brycedale Avenue.

The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service confirmed the court was closed. and will not re-open until Monday.

“The main building in Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court is closed today,” it said. “All criminal business will call at Kirkcaldy Annexe. Anyone coming to court today should attend there. Civil business will be dealt with remotely and, if not possible, will be allocated a new hearing date.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 4:50am we were made aware of a door on fire at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court. The fire is being treated as wilful and inquiries are ongoing.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service dispatched crews from Kirkcaldy and also sent a height appliance from Dunfermline to the scene.`

Police probe deliberate fire at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court as building is closed