Appeal over Aberdeen stairwell fire

Police in Aberdeen are still hunting an arsonist who set fire to a city close at the weekend.

Officers along with the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service were called to the block of flats in Coningham Terrace in the early hours of Sunday April 2, 2017, after a fire started within the stairwell.

All residents were evacuated and no one was injured. Extensive smoke damage was caused to the stairwell and the front door was destroyed.

Detective Constable Christopher Chapman, who is leading the investigation, said: "I would appeal to anyone with information about this incident to please get in touch, in particular if you were in the area around the time in question and saw anything or anyone suspicious.

"Thankfully no one was injured however there were residents within the block at the time and, given the time of night, had the fire not been found quickly the consequences could have been disastrous. It also goes without saying that such a worrying incident has caused a great deal of distress to those who live within the building.

"Following early inquiries I would like to stress that we are treating this as an isolated incident. Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 if you would prefer to remain anonymous."