THE owner of Hello Turkish Barbers in Lochore has been left gutted after vandals stole around £5,000 in equipment during an overnight break-in.

Ibrahim Ibo Gormez was told early this afternoon that his premises on Lochleven Road had been targeted between 9pm and 10pm last night (Monday).

An eyewitness reportedly saw two men flee from the barbers with equipment, such as expensive clippers and the CCTV box, and other items like scissors, gels, waxes and more.

Speaking to the Times in the past few moments, he said: "I'm just a small business and this means everything to me.

"This is my business and it's a part of me. It feels like a part of my body has been stolen."

An online fundraising page has already been created by local man Derek Davidson, and anyone who wishes to contribute can do so via this link.

Derek said: "Ibrahim Ibo Gormez is our local Turkish barber.

"He is a gentleman of a guy that has moved into our community to build a future. He has made many friends in our village. Ibrahim joined in with us for our New Year Loony Dook so that we could raise funds for Fairy Wood (at Lochore Meadows).

"Last night someone broke into his shop and stole all his tools and equipment which insurance will not cover.

"Let’s help get this guy back up and running and show him that as a community we will not be defeated by scum."

Police Scotland confirmed to the Times that they have received a report of a break-in at the premises, and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.

More to follow.