Murder hunt as man dies and woman is badly hurt
A MURDER investigation has been launched after a man was killed in a ‘targeted and wilful’ fire on New Year’s Day.
Police are hunting for suspects after a man died and a woman was seriously injured in a ‘horrifying’ house fire in Milngavie, on the outskirts of Glasgow, yesterday.
When firefighters extinguished the blaze, the body of the man, who has still to be formally identified, was found inside the semi-detached house. Three people were taken to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, where one, a 24-year-old woman, remains with serious injuries. A woman and man, both aged 54, received treatment for smoke inhalation and were released.
Police Scotland’s Major Investigation
‘A wilful and targeted fire’
Team has now launched a murder inquiry after determining the fire was wilful and deliberate.
Yesterday, the devastating impact of the fire could be seen at the home, which lies at the end of a quiet cul-desac. Both upstairs windows were burnt out, while the lower half of the building remained covered by green tarpaulin put in place by emergency services.
The home next door did not appear to have been damaged.
A considerable police presence – including a force helicopter and forensic investigators – remained at the scene throughout the day.
Detective Inspector Martin Fergus, said last night: ‘This is a truly terrible incident in which a man has died and another woman remains in a serious condition at hospital following a targeted and wilful fire.
‘Local residents are understandably shocked that a man has lost his life within the blaze, particularly given that it occurred on New Year’s Day, a time when families and friends come together and spend time with each other.
‘I want to reassure residents that all is being done to trace the person or persons responsible, and to ensure that they are held to account for their actions.’
A shocked neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said: ‘We had quite a late night for New Year’s and so I didn’t even realise anything was wrong until I saw the fire brigade outside.
‘It’s such a shame that this has happened on New Year’s Day.’
Police and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service were called to the blazing property at Achray Place around 7.25am yesterday.
Detectives are now appealing for anyone in the area who may have seen someone running away from the house to come forward.
A MURDER inquiry was under way last night after a man died following a disturbance in Edinburgh in the early hours.
Police Scotland said the man in his 30s sustained severe injuries following an incident in Leith at 2am.
Two men were expected to appear in court today.