A terrified Scots woman has told of the moment she fled to safety with her family after her car was torched by thugs outside her home in Glasgow.
Police have launched a probe after eight vehicles were targeted on several streets in Penilee and Hillington between around 4am and 5am on Thursday January 26. Officers have since confirmed they are treating the fires, which took place on Clavens Road, Tweedsmuir Road, Penneld Road and Craigmuir Road, as wilful as they appealed for information.
Nicola Elliot, who owns one of the torched cars on Clavens Road, says she grabbed her 10-year-old daughter and their pets and fled after hearing the explosion outside. The car was parked near the front door of the property and the 37-year-old cleaner was worried the flames would catch on to the home.
Speaking to the Record, Nicola said: "A neighbour's CCTV shows my car getting torched, just in front of the white van on the left, and my friend's car was the one that was parked in my driveway.
"I had to grab my 10-year-old daughter, two dogs and two guinea pigs and get out the back door as one of the cars was close to my front door. I was in panic mode. My legs were like jelly thinking that I was personally targeted until the police told me that others had been too, but I still wasn't feeling completely sure."
"I just hope police find the person responsible. I am losing out no matter what, I'm going to be down money and won't be able to afford the same car.
"I'm fuming. Everyone knows I have a young child in this house. My 10-year-old was in tears - she was traumatised. Luckily a friend came across the road and took her in so she could try and get back to sleep.
"Penilee might be going downhill but I love how our community all look out for each other when disasters like this happen. I'm grateful to have so many friends and good neighbours round about me. I'm surrounded by them and we all look out for one another."
Pictures taken on Thursday morning showed the burnt out shell of the motors at the different addresses.
The front of the vehicles were caved in, with the interior completely destroyed by the flames.
Officers have since launched an investigation and they are appealing for information. A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 4.30am on Thursday, January 26, officers were called to a report of eight vehicles set on fire at separate addresses in the Penilee area.
“Officers are carrying out enquiries in the area and would appeal to anyone who has any information regarding these incidents to contact Govan Police Office through 101 with reference 0382 of January 26. Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”
The Scottish Fire and Rescue service confirmed to the Record they were called to Clavens Road, Tweedsmuir Road, Penneld Road and Craigmuir Road to the reports of five cars on fire between 4.22am and 5.05am on Thursday. Crews left the scene after ensuring the area was made safe.
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