SIX men have been arrested in England in connection with an assault and robbery of an elderly woman in Gowkhall.

Police say that shortly after midnight on February 22, an 80-year-old woman was assaulted and had jewellery stolen from her by a group of men who had forced entry into her home.

A major investigation was launched and yesterday (Thursday) police arrested five men aged 24, 28, 32, 37 and 50 in the Garston area of Liverpool.

A sixth man, 22-years-old, was arrested in the Oxfordshire area and inquiries are ongoing.

Five men have now been charged in connection with the incident and are due to appear at Dunfermline Sheriff Court on Monday next week, June 24.

Detectives from Fife’s Criminal Investigations Department launched the investigation and worked with colleagues across Police Scotland, along with Merseyside Police.

Detective Sergeant Stewart Andrew, from Fife’s Criminal Investigations Department, said: “This was an extremely frightening ordeal for the victim and since this incident we have been working hard conducting inquiries in the Fife area and further afield in the North West of England.

“As a result of joint enforcement work with colleagues and partners, five men are due to appear in court in connection with the incident and our inquiries continue.

“I would like to thank the public for their support during this investigation, along with the officers involved from Police Scotland and Merseyside and Thames Valley Forces, which has resulted in these arrests.”