Police examine CCTV footage as fire attacks in suspected gang war investigated

Detectives investigating a spate of deliberate fires in a suspected gang war have seized almost 700 hours of CCTV footage along with a stolen vehicle.

Police are treating the “reckless” blazes as potentially linked, and have visited more than 100 homes in Glasgow as investigations continue.

A team of detectives are investigating deliberate fires at six addresses within five days in Glasgow and the west this month, and a number of reports of discharges of firearms and fire-raising in the east of Scotland in recent weeks.

Weapons, drugs and cash have also been seized during police investigations.

Arrests have been made after attacks in Edinburgh which began in March, and detectives say further arrests are anticipated.

Four homes in Glasgow and surrounding areas have been targeted in one week in April, along with two business premises.

A house was deliberately set on fire in Cortmalaw Gardens in Robroyston on April 3, while a business premises in Milton Road, Kirkintilloch, East Dunbartonshire, was set alight the following day.

On April 7, homes on three separate streets were targeted – in Gala Street in north Glasgow, Ashgill Road in Riddrie in the east end, and Meadow Court in Stepps, North Lanarkshire.

The following day a business premises in Wellington Road, Bishopbriggs, East Dunbartonshire, was set alight.

A threat to two named families to “leave Scotland immediately” was reportedly posted on social media.

On Thursday, an 18-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy were arrested in connection with three alleged wilful fire-raisings in Edinburgh.

The 18-year-old was charged in connection with an incident which took place in Hay Drive on April 4, another at premises in Albert Street on March 6 and another in the Parrotshot area on March 2.

He is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court in due course.

The 17-year-old boy has been released pending further inquiries.

Detective Chief Superintendent David Ferry, specialist crime division, said: “It is vital that we trace whoever is responsible for these reckless acts as soon as possible.

“While we believe these to be targeted attacks, the consequences could have been far more serious and I want to make it clear this behaviour will not be tolerated.

“I would urge anyone with information about any of these incidents to please get in touch.

“We would also be keen to speak to anyone with dashcam, doorbell footage or personal footage from the areas where these incidents have taken place.

“Significant inquiries are ongoing in relation to all of these incidents, and we are utilising all available resources to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.

“A number of arrests have already been made in connection with incidents in the east and arrests will continue across the country over the coming weeks.

“I want to reassure the communities in the east and west of Scotland that we have a team of detectives working on this investigation and our continued action in recent weeks demonstrates our commitment to tackling this type of crime.

“We will continue to carry out additional high-visibility patrols and disruption activity and I would encourage anyone with any concerns to approach these officers, so we can take action.

“If anyone has information that can help with our inquiries then please contact us immediately.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 0562 of March 21.

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.