Cops hunt firebugs

A woman was rushed to hospital after reckless yobs set fire to a wheelie bin outside the door of a Paisley flat.

Detectives hunt i n g firebugs who targeted the home in Thrushcraigs Crescent at around 9.05pm on Friday say the incident could have resulted in fatalities.

It is believed the wheelie bin was pulled into the close and set alight while terrified residents were inside.

Fire crews and police raced to the scene and quickly doused the blaze, which officers are treating as wilful fire raising.

A 40-year-old woman was taken to the Royal Alexandra Hospital for treatment and later released.

Officers say male and female voices were heard in the close shortly before the shocking incident and have appealed for any witnesses to come forward.

Detective Constable Jane Perratt, of Paisley CID, said: “It is vital that we catch the person or persons responsible for this stupid and cowardly act as they may do something like this again resulting in serious injuries or even fatalities.

“I urge anyone who has any information to get in touch with the police. I am keen to speak to a group of five males and females who were heard in the street just the fire broke out.”

Call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.