A MAN appeared in Alloa Sheriff Court today (Monday) following an armed police operation in Tillicoultry on Saturday night.

Michael Fyall, believed to be from the town, was detained after police were called out to an alleged break-in at a High Street barber shop, shortly before 2am.

As the situation unfolded, one witness reported seeing armed police in the street along with specialist dog units and a handful of other officers.

He said: “It’s not really something you’d expect to see out your window.

“There must have been about 20 officers there and I could hear some of them shouting at the guy.

“It was pretty scary to be honest, there were armed police there with the guns and the whole thing lasted for about an hour and half.” The owner of the barbers later added: “I was told the police were outside the shop so I went down there early in the morning.

“Everything was left lying all over the place; it’s pretty unbelievable.” The incident lasted for just over an hour before it is believed Fyall (28) surrendered to the officers on site.

He appeared at Alloa Sheriff Court on two charges of assault, two counts of theft by housebreaking and a statutory breach of the peace.

He made no plea of declaration and will reappear for a further committal diet on 17 March.

Sheriff William Wood ruled that Fyall remain in custody until his next hearing.

A police spokeswoman said: “Police in Clackmannanshire responded to a report of a break in at a barber shop on High Street, Tillicoultry, in the early hours of Sunday, 8 March.

“Upon arrival, a 28-year-old male was subsequently apprehended and [has since] appeared at Alloa Sheriff Court.”