Car deliberately set on fire outside prison in early hours

A car was deliberately set on fire outside the site of HMP Grampian in Peterhead during the early hours, prompting police to appeal for information.

Emergency services were called to the car park of the prison, which also has a young offenders institution, after the blaze was discovered around 1.15am on Tuesday.

Firefighters extinguished the fire in a Citroen C3 Cactus.

Police are treating the fire as wilful and enquiries are ongoing.

Detective Sergeant Richard Cooper said: “Thankfully no-one was injured, however, the consequences of this dangerous and reckless act could have been much more serious.

“We are working with Scottish Prison Service to make sure we find who is responsible for this fire.

“I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident or who has any information which could assist to contact us.

“I would also appeal to anyone driving in the area with dashcam or anyone nearby with personal footage to please check their recordings and get in touch if it holds anything relevant.”