Up in smoke

The fire started at McAlister Fuel Injection, a Wardpark-based garage specialising in diesel engines, at around midnight on Saturday.

Someone broke into the yard and set fire to three vehicles, with the resulting inferno spreading to 11 more.

Most of the cars belonged to customers, but three company vehicles were also badly damaged.

Garage owner Simon McAlister had been watching football on TV when he got a call from the police.

He rushed to the family-run business where he found firefighters had already extinguished the blaze.

He said: "I was devastated when I saw the place."

Fortunately the fire did not result in any injuries, and the premises themselves were undamaged. By Monday it was "business as usual" for the garage.

Simon added: "I have no idea who is responsible for this."

Cumbernauld Police are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious behaviour around the site to contact them on 01236 503900 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The McAlisters are offering an undisclosed cash reward for any tip-offs resulting in prosecution.