A homeless charity has been left unable to feed thousands of vulnerable Scots after cruel vandals torched their delivery van. Fire crews were called to the blaze outside the Cyrenians' FareShare depot in Leith, Edinburgh, on Sunday night.
Yobs havd set the motor alight on at 10.30pm, with four engines used to tackle the flames at its height. The charity has said that their delivery vehicle has been left destroyed as a result of the blaze, meaning they will be hindered in their ability to deliver food to some of the most vulnerable groups in the capital and the surrounding area.
Edinburgh Live reports that around 20,000 beneficiaries in 130 groups that the charity delivers to every week will be affected by the fire as pantries across the city are cancelled this week.
FareShare depot services manager Craig Buchan said: "We're fortunate that no-one was hurt and that no damage has been done to the building. As a team, many of whom are volunteers, we are badly shaken up by this incident and our operations, which supply food to those in need, will be significantly impacted this week.
“We are working on getting a replacement van organised as soon as we are able, but without doubt, several tonnes of food will be wasted, food pantries will be cancelled and a high number of the 20,000 beneficiaries we support every week will go without food.”
Alan Rouane, a representative from FareShare UK added: "We're doing everything we can to divert deliveries to other sites and to support services in Central and Southeast Scotland."
Cyrenians stated on their website that Police Scotland are investigating the incident, which they described as a 'fire-raising incident'. SFRS confirmed that they attended the incident on Jane Street.
Detective Sergeant Christina Yeoman, from Gayfield CID, said: “We can be thankful that no one was hurt as a result of this fire. As our investigation continues, we are keen to hear from anyone who may have information, or potential CCTV or dashcam footage from the area.
“If you believe you can assist our enquiries, please call police on 101, quoting incident 4183 of 11 June, 2023.”
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