DAVID CAMPBELL
Explosions could be heard from miles around after firebugs torched trucks and vans at an industrial estate.
Reckless yobs set two lorries and two vans alight at Stage Hire Scotland in
Meadowside Street, Renfrew, around 12.50am yesterday.
A major joint Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) probe is now underway.
Detectives believe two men arrived at the site in a darkcoloured car and deliberately set fire to the vehicles, which have been written off.
Flames also spread to the roof of the building, causing extensive damage.
Owners are counting the cost of the damage, which is expected to run into six figures.
One of the suspects wanted by cops over the blaze is described as being a white male of average height and build, wearing a dark blue top and light-coloured bottoms.
A specialist Incident Research and Investigation Section team from SFRS has also been on site.
Social media users reported hearing a loud explosion at around the time of the fire and smoke could be seen billowing into the air across the River Clyde.
Twitter user Robert Gifford wrote: “Huge explosion in Renfrew across the Clyde from Yoker. Whats going on?”
Detective Constable Malcolm Clark, of Paisley CID, is leading the investigation and has appealed for information.
He told the Paisley Daily Express: “This was an incredibly reckless act, which left a number of vehicles completely burnt out.
“Tha n k f u l l y , t h e re were no casualties but setting fires like this can be extremely dangerous and result in extremely serious consequences.”
He added: “Ou r investigation is an early stage and it is too early to speculate on any motive.
“We believe two males exited a dark- coloured car and entered the premises shortly before the fire.
“We would like to identify these individuals and would appeal to the public for their help.
“If you have private CCTV in and around the area can you please get in touch? Similarly, if you were driving in the area at around the time I would ask that you check your dashcam footage to check if it captured anything which might be significant to our enquiries.”
A spokesperson for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service confirmed: “At around 12.48am, we were called to reports of two vans and two lorries on fire on Meadowside Street.
“Operations control mobilised three appliances.”
Anyone with information should call Paisley CID n 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.