Fireball horror: Police appeal for help to catch man who torched food truck in Galashiels
Last updated 4th Dec 2025
Dramatic footage has emerged of an attempt to burn down a food truck in the centre of Galashiels at the weekend.
The mobile catering unit was parked outside the Salmon Inn in Bank Street ahead of the town's Christmas lights switch-on celebrations, when it was targeted shortly after 1am on Saturday.
The suspect - wearing a red bobble hat and trainers - narrowly avoids setting himself on fire after emptying a petrol canister on a walk around the trailer before reaching down to set the flammable liquid alight.
The man is last seen running off in the direction of St John Street after it bursts into a ball of flames, while still appearing to clutch a pizza box in his left hand.
WATCH: Click on the link below to view the fireball incident...
It's believed the incident was a pre-planned attack, and anyone with information is urged to contact police.
Pamela Kelly, who is one of the owners of the food truck, told Greatest Hits Radio: "We are all shocked with what’s happened.
"We are getting the van checked over as we speak to find out how much damage there is and how much it will cost to repair.
"The interior isn’t too bad." But she added: "We feel completely sad after everything that we do. It really has dampened our spirits."
In the moments leading up to the incident, the culprit can be seen appearing to munch on a pizza - believed to be from local eatery H2GO - with what looks like a petrol canister at his feet, before having a look around to check the coast is clear.
People living in the area are being urged to check their CCTV cameras.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We are looking to identify a male who was seen nearby at the time of the incident. He was seen to run off in the direction of St John Street immediately after the incident.
"He is described as white, medium build, around 5ft 6" to 6ft in height, wearing a red bauble hat, red checked overshirt with a grey top underneath, dark trousers and black trainers with white soles.
"We would like to hear from anyone who witnessed this or has information relating to the incident. You can call Police on 101 quoting incident number 0252 of 29/11/2025.
“Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting incident 0252 of November 29th.”
For more stories from the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland, bookmark our new home page - https://hellorayo.co.uk/greatest-hits/borders/news/