FIREBOMB TERROR FOR MUM
Thugs target single mother’s car in petrol bomb attack
A PETRIFIED mum of two last night told of her terror after her car was petrol bombed by thugs outside her home.
An investigation has been launched after nursery teacher Ashlee McKinlay’s vehicle was torched on a residential street in Glasgow’s Tollcross just after midnight yesterday.
Pictures show the car, engulfed in flames, parked on Ard Street. Police last night confirmed the fire was started deliberately. It is understood that it was started by a thug throwing flammable liquid in a container at the vehicle.
Ashlee, 30, has no idea why she was targeted and is now terrified to leave her home.
She was enjoying a quiet night in with friends when she heard a commotion outside and realised her Audi had been set ablaze.
Ashlee said: “I was so scared and couldn’t believe what I was seeing. I don’t know why someone would do this.
“All my neighbours came out of the flats to help. Everyone was really shocked.
“It’s been a lot to deal with. I’m a single mum and would never expect something like this to happen outside my home.
Ashlee said her children, aged three and eight, were on a sleepover at a relative’s house and did not witness the fire.
She added: “I’m a private, quiet person. I keep to myself but I’m lucky as I have great friends and people around to support me.”
Ashlee packed up her belongings and stayed with a friend after police left the scene yesterday.
She is now frightened to go back home, saying. “It doesn’t feel safe now and I’ve been left with no car at the start of the new year.
“It took me years to get my home together and get back on my feet. I feel like this has turned my life upside and I’m back to square one.”
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service put out the fire and no one was injured.
Police said the blaze is being treated as “deliberate” and inquiries are ongoing. A spokesperson added: “Anyone with information can call 101, quoting 0017 of 31 December.”