Kilsyth flats targeted for a second time by firebugs

Officers have confirmed that a 17 year old male householder heard youths in his close at 4.10am on Sunday,July 12 and left the flat to check out the scene.

The youths, who were all wearing black tracksuits were seen fleeing down the street.

And when the man returned to his home he found a carpet inside the house had been torched.

The actions of the fireraisers could so easily have seen a full scale blaze take hold within the block as residents slept. However quick action on the part of the victim was key.

Thankfully he was able to extinguish the fire but burned a finger in the process.

Fortunately, no-one else were injured and no evacuation was necessary.

A police spokesperson is urging anyone with information to come forward now.

She said: “This is an extremely serious incident and could have been life threatening not only to the householder but other residents in the block.

“Thankfully, as the householder returned to his house immediately, the fire was unable to spread.’’

The episodes are all the more shocking, given that a crime of this nature is rare in Kilsyth

Residents in the block next door had to be evacuated on Thursday July 2. And just three hours later, wheelie bins were set alight in Backbrae Street.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101.