A Lanarkshire shop was the target of a suspected petrol bomb attack this afternoon.
Police remain at the scene on Brandon Street in Hamilton as they continue to search for the suspect.
It's understood a man entered Rocco's Deli and unsuccessfully attempted to set the shop ablaze with a petrol can.
Witnesses say he fled the scene after his wilful fire-raising attempt "failed miserably".
There have been no reported injuries but staff at Rocco's are said to be badly shaken after petrol ended up on them during the terrifying ordeal.
One woman who was in the area at the time told Lanarkshire Live : "Someone tried to petrol bomb Rocco's but failed miserably. It was one guy who then ran away.
"He put the petrol all over the place but thankfully didn't get it lit because the workers in the shop got covered in it.
"There's still police in attendance but the main thing is nobody's hurt, apart from being badly shaken up."
Police have cordoned off the area on Brandon Street with police tape stretching past Rocco's and it's neighbouring pub, Roxy's.
Another local explained how a petrol can believed to be used in the attack was found dumped next to a bin.
She said: "We saw a petrol can lying next to a bin and someone saw a guy had ran away but we're not sure what happened."
The incident resulted in Rocco's Deli closing for the day.
They posted on social media to their customers: "Due to an incident the shop has had to close immediately.
"Any orders placed previous will be refunded. Apologies for any inconvenience."
Cops are still in attendance at the Hamilton street as they continue to comb the area.
A Police Scotland spokesperson told Lanarkshire Live : “Around 12.30pm on Thursday, 19 May, 2022, police were called to the Brandon Street area of Hamilton following a report of an attempted fire-raising.
"Officers remain at the scene and a search of the area is ongoing.”
Police are also searching neighbouring streets in the area as they continue their enquiries.
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