Investigation launched after fire destroys Dundee Cop26 bench

Firefighters were called to the Riverside Esplanade on Wednesday evening

Author: Chloe ShawPublished 11th Nov 2021

A newly installed bench at Dundee's waterfront has been destroyed after being deliberately set on fire on Wednesday evening.

Firefighters were called to the Riverside Esplanade at around 7:45pm. Police say the fire is being treated as wilful and have now launched an investigation.

The bench had recently been installed in the urban beach area, as part of Cop26 celebrations in the city.

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted to reports of a fire affecting an outdoor seating area on the waterfront in Dundee. Operations control immediately mobilised a fire engine and firefighters extinguished the fire."

“Crews left the scene after ensuring the area was made safe.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “The fire was extinguished by Scottish Fire and Rescue. The fire is being treated as wilful and enquiries are ongoing.”

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