Car found burnt out after deliberate house fire in Wishaw

Police are hunting two men seen near the scene of the fire on Sunday night

Published 21st Nov 2016

Police were called out to Wishaw Road at 6.35 on Saturday night

No one was injured as a result of the fire, however a joint investigation was carried out between Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and it has been established that the fire is wilful.

Detective Inspector Kenny Dalrymple from Lanarkshire Division CID said:

“Although we believe this to be a targeted attack, this doesn’t make it any less serious. Thankfully no one was injured, however the consequences could have been much worse. These locations would have been busy on Saturday evening, and I would urge anyone with information to come forward. In particular, we are working to trace two men who were seen running from the area in Wishaw Road and entering a silver coloured car around the time the fire was set.

“A short time later a Volkswagen Passat was found burnt out on the A71, Lanark Road near to the Larkhall junction of the M74. Enquiries are ongoing to establish if this vehicle is linked to the fire.

“Officers are currently studying CCTV images in an effort to gather more information on this crime, the vehicle involved and the car that was found burnt out.

“Anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem should contact detectives at Wishaw Police Office through 101. Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.

“I would also ask any drivers who were on Wishaw Road or Lanark Road between 1800 and 1900hrs on Saturday evening, who have dashcam footage, to contact officers, as they may have information that will assist our investigation.”