Shops deliberately burned down in Inverness as police launch man hunt
A Skoda was deliberely crashed into a business park premises then set alight
Police have launched a man hunt in Inverness after a number of shops were devastated by fire at a business park last night.
Around 12.05am a Skoda Octavia was deliberately driven into a shop at Fairways Business Park. The premises and car was then set alight which caused significant damage to at least four more businesses.
Emergency services attended and the fire was extinguished by Scottish Fire and Rescue.
Enquiries are ongoing and the fire is being treated as wilful. There were no reports of any injuries.
A man wearing dark clothing and a balaclava was seen running away from the direction of the premises towards Walter Scott Drive.
Officers are looking to speak to anyone with any information and are particularly keen to trace the occupants of a white pick up truck, which was seen in the area around the time of the incident.
Detective Inspector Christopher Macleod said: "This was a reckless act and it is imperative that we find the person responsible.
"Extensive enquiries are ongoing and we are appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time, or who has dashcam or other footage, to contact police.
"I'd also ask anyone in the area to contact us if they saw either of these vehicles in the area at the time of the incident.
"Think back, did you see anything suspicious?
"Anyone with information or dashcam footage should contact 101, quoting reference 0032 of 9 March. Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 and give the information anonymously."
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