£850K UP IN SMOKE
Police probe after cars set on fire at forecourt
A Motherwell car dealership is counting the cost after a fire was started deliberately causing vehicles to go up in smoke.
Detectives are appealing for information after the fire at the Lookers garage in Windmillhill Street.
At around 11.40pm last Wednesday police were called to a report of a fire.
Emergency services attended and 17 vehicles were found to be extensively damaged. The damage caused is estimated to be worth around £850,000.
Following a joint investigation between police and fire services, the incident has been confirmed as wilful fire raising.
CCTV enquiries have revealed that a man was seen climbing the perimeter fence and starting a fire in the forecourt.
Detective Inspector Kenny Dalrymple, from Wishaw CID, is one o f the officers leading the investigation.
He said: “Extensive enquiries are underway to establish the full circumstances surrounding this reckless crime and it is absolutely vital that anyone with information comes forward.
“We know that the suspect climbed the fence to start the fire and I would appeal to anyone who was in the vicinity of the garage around the time of the incident and may have noticed someone acting suspiciously to get in touch.”
DI Dalrymple also appealed to any drivers who may have dash-cam footage of the fire to pass on the footage to officers immediately.
He added: “I would particularly appeal to any motorists with dashcams who were driving along Windmill Street between 11.30pm and 11.50pm to contact police.
“You may have captured footage which could be important to our investigation.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Wishaw CID via 101, quoting incident number 4577 of Wednesday 20 June 2018.
Alternatively members of the public can contact Crimestoppers for free on 0800 555 111 where details can be given in confidence.