Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Police appeal for information after cars set on fire
Three cars were deliberately set on fire in Monklands during two separate incidents less than 24 hours apart.
The first, which police have labelled a “targeted attack”, involved a white Ford Focus and took place at around 2.30am last Tuesday, July 28.
It caught fire after an item was thrown into it while the vehicle was parked on a driveway on Airdrie’s Mulberry Crescent.
Officers are hunting a suspect who is described as around 6ft tall with a slim build, wearing dark tracksuit bottoms, dark hooded top, dark trainers and possibly a dark tammy-style hat.
After the incident, he ran off towards Elm Drive.
Fortunately no- one was injured during the blaze but police are seeking the public’s help to trace the culprit.
Detective Constable David Williamson, of Coatbridge CID, said: “We believe this was a targeted attack but it’s extremely reckless and we’re appealing for the public’s help to trace the person responsible.
“Our enquiries so far have revealed there was a black Mercedes near the location at the time and the people in the car might have witnessed the incident, so we’re appealing to them to speak to us.
“If anyone has any private CCTV, dash- cam footage or saw any suspicious behaviour shortly before or afterwards, please contact us.”
The second incident, which took place between 12.15am and 12.40am last Wednesday, July 29, is being treated as “wilful fire-raising”.
A white Mercedes and a white Chrysler were set alight at an address in Lees Court, Coatbridge.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service attended and extinguished the fires safely, and thankfully there were no injuries.
Detective Constable Jamie Routledge, of Lanarkshire CID, said: “Although nobody has been injured as a result of this, there has been significant damage to the two vehicles.
“This was a reckless act and this type of behaviour will not be tolerated in our communities.
“I would ask that if anyone noticed anyone acting suspiciously in the area or witnessed the incident, speak to officers.
“I would also ask anyone driving on Dundyvan Road at that time and [who] may have dash- cam footage to get in contact with police.”
Anyone with information about either incident should contact the police on 101, quoting incident numbers 0291 of July 28 for the Airdrie incident and 0135 of July 29 for that in Coatbridge, or make an anonymous report via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. ongoing disturbance in Mitchell Street, Coatbridge, around 1am on Sunday, July 26.
“One male officer sustained a head and neck injury and was taken to Monklands Hospital by the Scottish Ambulance Service and released after treatment.
“A 35- year- old man was arrested and charged in connection with the incident.”