The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Pictures released in bid to find bus blaze culprit
Cctv: Police appeal for information after charity’s vehicle was burned in a Dundee street last November
Police in Dundee have released photos of a man they want to speak to after a minibus belonging to a disability charity was torched in the city centre.
A wheelchair accessible minibus – as well as a van – were set alight by a suspected vandal on Meadowside Lane in the city centre on Saturday November 25, leaving The Inclusion Group £9,000 out of pocket.
Police have been hunting the culprit ever since and have now issued CCTV images of a man they say could “assist” with their inquiries.
The man is described as being aged between 35 and 45 years old, who at the time of the incident, was wearing a black jacket, dark denim jeans and black trainers.
The Inclusion Group had been worried the vandalism could put future Christmas activities organised for those with disabilities in doubt.
Carnoustie £148 million lottery winner Gillian Bayford however stepped in and generously replaced the torched vehicles with a brand new minibus and van in December.
Inthedaysaftertheincident,inclusion Group manager Fiona Flynn said she had been left “disgusted”.
She said: “We had spent a good couple of years fundraising to get our van and car and I’m absolutely disgusted that someone has done this.
“It just leaves you feeling empty inside, especially with Christmas being near and so many events that the service users were looking forward to.
“Many of them are on the autistic spectrum and any change in their plans can be very upsetting for them.”
However, she said she was “over the moon” about Gillian’s kind-hearted gesture.
A spokesperson for the Tayside division of Police Scotland said: “Police Scotland is appealing for information after a minibus was deliberately set on fire in Dundee city centre on Saturday, November 25 2017.
“Officers believe the man pictured may be able to assist with their inquiries. The man is described as being aged between 35-45 years old who at the time of this incident was wearing a black jacket, dark denim jeans and black trainers.
“Anyone with any information that may be useful should contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting CR/30852/17 or speak to any police officer.
“Alternatively information can be passed anonymously via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”