Appeal for fire witnesses

Police are appealing for witnesses to the fire at a block of flats on Main Street last Monday to come forward.

Four residents fled the flats at 136 Main Street, and a woman was pulled from a window, when two areas of the common close were set ablaze at 10.35am.

Emergency services attended and the fire was extinguished. Several residents were treated for smoke inhalation.

Detective sergeant Ronnie Douglas of Cambuslang Police Office said: “Officers have been carrying out enquiries in the area around Main Street, and checking CCTV footage to gather more information on who is responsible.

“We are also looking into a fire set around the same time within the bin shed of a neighbouring block, and believe they are both linked.

“Main Street is a busy thoroughfare, and I would appeal to anyone who witnessed anything suspicious, or who may have any information that will assist our investigation, to contact Cambuslang Police Office through 101 quoting reference number 0859 of January 22. Alternatively CRIMESTOPPERS can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”

Executive director of housing at South Lanarkshire Council Daniel Lowe said: “The council is currently working with our community safety partners, including the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Police Scotland, in response to the serious fire incident at Main Street, Rutherglen.”