Young mum left unable to sleep after being stabbed multiple times by stranger on street in Kirkcaldy, Fife

A young mum says she has been left unable to sleep after a stranger stabbed her multiple times as she left a shop in Fife.

Roni Smith left her home to visit a nearby shop in the Templehall area of Kirkcaldy to purchase nappies for her 18-month-old child on Wednesday morning.

After leaving the premises on Cheviot Road, a man with a dog approached the 20-year-old at around 11.30am.

Without saying a word the attacker proceeded to stab the mum, who used her hand to protect her side and face, a number of times.

Roni managed to escape the man, who also fled the scene following the incident. After making it back to her flat, the young mum walked herself to hospital.

Roni told STV News: “I didn’t know who he was. He never said anything to me at all.

“The man went for my side and I put my hand out to protect myself, he went into my hand a few times. I blacked out and stumbled.

“I managed to get myself back up and I kept running. I didn’t feel any pain until I got back to the flat.

“I ended up walking to the hospital because I didn’t want to wait for ambulance. They saw me quite quickly.

“The doctor told me I had been stabbed three or four times.”

Roni's hand was significantly damaged during the attack. — Roni’s hand was significantly damaged during the attack. Supplied

Her hand has been left significantly damaged following the attack. She now faces the prospect of surgery or therapy with the hopes of returning the feeling to her hand.

The attacker has not been arrested by police, which has left Roni fearing that she may see the man again.

The mum said: “I can’t sleep, I’m so paranoid. They were reassuring me in hospital that I was safe but all I could think is that he is still out there.

“I’ve kept my curtains closed because I’m worried about looking out the window. I look through the crack in the curtains every night to make sure no one is coming in.

“I used to be happy and bubbly, now I’m worried to go outside with my son or my dog. I don’t feel safe with him still out there

“My hand is changing colour and is pretty much numb. I love to draw but I can’t do that anymore.”

Police Scotland has confirmed that an investigation into the incident is still ongoing.

Detective Constable Scott Wallace said: ”Enquiries are at an early stage and I am appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or who was in the area at the time and may have dash-cam or private CCTV footage which could assist to contact us.”

Those with information are urged to contact 101 quoting reference 1444 of Wednesday, January 15, 2025.