Appeal following wilful fire-raising in Thorntonhall, Lanarkshire

Police in Lanarkshire have launched an investigation into a wilful fire-raising at a property in Thorntonhall.

Around 1am on Wednesday, 19 May, officers were called to a report of vehicles on fire outside a house on Peel Road. Three vehicles were deliberately set alight which also resulted in a garage sustaining extensive damage.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service attended and extinguished the fire. Nobody was injured as a result of the incident.

Detectives are treating the fire as deliberate after CCTV enquiries showed a man pouring an accelerant on the vehicles. They are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

The male suspect is described as around 5 ft 10 ins and of slim build. He was wearing black joggers, a black hooded jumper with the hood up, black trainers and a face mask. A silver/grey hatchback car was also seen near to the house at the time of the fire.

Detective Inspector Susie Cairns said: "This was a completely reckless act which destroyed three cars and caused significant damage to the property's garage. The consequences could have been so much worse but thankfully nobody was injured during this incident.

"I am appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time that saw a man or car matching this description or saw any unusual activity to please come forward.

"If you have personal CCTV or a dashcam, please check back and see if there is any footage that could assist our investigation. No matter how small or insignificant you think it may be, please get in touch."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 0134 of 19 May. Alternatively, if you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.