Appeal after cars deliberately set on fire in Hamilton

Officers in Lanarkshire are appealing for information after cars were deliberately set on fire outside a property in Hamilton in two separate incidents that are being linked.

The first incident happened around 0.10am on Thursday, 18 February, 2021, in Houston Street in the town when two cars were set on fire in a driveway. One car was badly damaged and the other sustained minor damage.

The second happened at the same location around 10pm on Sunday, 21 February, 2021. The car that was damaged in the previous incident was badly damaged this time.

Officers are treating the incidents as linked and are keen to speak to two men seen at both locations around the time of the fires. They are described as aged in their 20s to 30s and both wearing dark clothing, gloves and masks. One was medium build, 6ft, and the other 5ft 8ins of slim build.

Detective Constable Andrew Henry, of Cambuslang CID, said: “Fortunately no one was hurt in these incidents, but this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated. These incidents are being treated at linked.

“We are keen to speak to these two men. They were seen getting into a white Ford Fiesta which was driven towards Scott Street, onto Burnblea Street, Glebe Street and then Bent Road.

“I am appealing to anyone who may have been driving in or near these streets at the time of these incidents to get in touch if they have dash-cam footage that could help with our investigation. Likewise, we are keen to speak to anyone who may have private CCTV showing anything suspicious.”

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident 0141 of Thursday, 18 February, or incident 3821 of Sunday, 21 February. Or you can make a call anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.