Firebomb terror
Tory councillor and his family ‘minutes from death’ after car deliberately torched outside their home as they slept
A SCOTTISH Tory councillor has told how his family home and cars were targeted in a terrifying firebomb attack.
Graeme Campbell, his wife Fiona, 52, and their 18-year-old son were asleep when their BMW went up in flames in the early hours of yesterday morning.
The 49-year-old councillor believes the attack on his home in Strathaven, Lanarkshire, is linked to his work as a politician.
He said a young passer-by banged on their door around 1.15am to alert them to the blaze.
Firefighters were quickly on the scene, but part of the family’s detached home was destroyed and a neighbour’s property was damaged. Mrs Campbell’s £45,000 BMW car was burnt-out.
The councillor, who represents the Avondale and Stonehouse ward on South Lanarkshire Council, said: ‘It was about 1.10am and I heard some sort of bang and I can only assume it was the car on fire and something was exploding in the car.
‘I then got up and said to Fiona that I thought there was somebody downstairs and then we heard banging on the front door. It was a young lad who was coming past on the road and saw the car on fire. They were coming to warn us that the car was on fire.
‘We are desperately trying to find out who he is to thank him because if it had been another ten or 15 minutes then we would have been dead. We were in the bedroom above the garage and that would have went up in flames with us above it.’
He added: ‘The fire brigade were here really quick and then as they doused the flames the police arrived.
‘They told me it was deliberate. Someone has smashed the window of my wife’s car, put accelerant in and it has gone up. My car is a bit damaged, superficial only.
‘The police said it was deliberate and I wasn’t really surprised. I’m totally disgusted because it could only have come from my work as a councillor. There is a small minority of criminal elements that want to cause mischief.’
Mr Campbell has vowed to continue his work.
He said: ‘I’m a bit stubborn and it has made me more determined and you don’t give into bullies. Whoever did this is trying to bully me and get me to shut up.
‘If I walk away then I leave other constituents in a living hell. It just beggars belief why anyone would do this. This will cost thousands to repair.’
Mrs Campbell said: ‘We have done nothing wrong and will be out of pocket.
‘Our neighbours have done nothing wrong and their house has been damaged as well. It is shocking.’
Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson said: ‘This is a horrendous and frightening attack. If it is related to his public office, it’s not just an attack on a councillor, it is an attack on democracy itself.’
Labour MSP Monica Lennon sent a message of support to the Campbells on social media. She said: ‘This is a terrifying attack on Councillor Campbell’s home and family which could have been fatal.’
Liberal Democrat justice spokesman Liam McArthur said: ‘By the sounds of it this was a despicable and ugly act of violence. If political violence has reared its head then that is utterly shameful and I hope that those responsible are brought to justice as swiftly as possible.’
An SNP spokesman said: ‘This is a shocking ordeal for any family to go through. This is now a matter that should be thoroughly investigated, by the authorities.’
Independent councillor Margaret Cooper said: ‘It is unthinkable that someone would take such action putting the family’s life at risk.’
South Lanarkshire Council said it would work closely with the police in their inquiries.
A Police Scotland spokes man said: ‘The incident is being treated as wilful and inquiries are ongoing.’
‘An attack on democracy’