Armed police deployed in major West Lothian operation

Man, 34, arrested and charged over theft and disturbance.

SHOCKED motorists watched as armed police swooped on a residential street in Bathgate.

Traffic was diverted around the major operation by multiple units in Burnside Road shortly after 8pm last night.

Officers arrested a 34-year-old man who is expected to appear in court charged over a disturbance and theft.

Officers were scrambled to Burnside Road, Bathgate

"A major police incident in Mill Road/Cochrane Street area of Bathgate with armed response in attendance," an eye-witness reported.

"In terms of police presence, divisional support vans from Livingston - four transits and a couple of the response cars and the big BMW in the street.

"Surrounding streets of Mill Road as area was pretty well sealed off - not sure if it was an incident in a block of flats or one of the bungalows."

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “A man has been arrested and charged in connection with a disturbance and theft in Bathgate, West Lothian.

“The incident happened during the evening on Wednesday, 20 November, in the Burnside Road area of the town.

“The 34-year-old man is due to appear at Livingston Sheriff Court today (Thursday 21 November, 2019).”