A nursery hit by a fire in West Dunbartonshire has been forced to close as police launch a manhunt for those responsible.
Officers were called to Dumbarton Road, Old Kilpatrick just before 8pm on Saturday. The alarm was raised following reports of a fire in the area.
Fire crews revealed that a blaze ripped through a play hut outside Gavinburn Primary School, as well as the 'main building'.
Council chiefs confirmed on Sunday that the building affected was Gavinburn Early Learning and Childcare Centre, more commonly known as Gavinburn Nursery. The centre sits on the same campus as the primary school.
Due to 'extensive damage' the nursery was forced to close Monday and Tuesday. Gavinburn Primary School remains open.
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The council statement reads: "We are very sorry to have to inform you that due to significant damage caused by a fire at Gavinburn ELCC yesterday, we are unable to open the nursery to children on Monday, June 27 and Tuesday, June 28. We apologise for any inconvenience and upset this may cause you and your families, and thank you for your support and understanding at this time.
"The fire is currently subject to an investigation by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Please note that Gavinburn Primary School is unaffected and will open as normal tomorrow morning."
Police confirmed their attendance at the blaze and enquiries are ongoing.
A police spokeswoman told Glasgow Live: “We were called at around 7.55pm on Saturday, June 25, to a report of a fire in the Dumbarton Road area of Old Kilpatrick. Officers attended and enquiries are ongoing to trace those responsible.”
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) confirmed that two appliances were sent to the scene and the blaze was extinguished before crews made the area safe.
A spokesperson told Glasgow Live: "We were alerted at 7.44pm on Saturday, June 25 to reports of a building fire on Dumbarton Road, Old Kilpatrick. Operations Control mobilised two appliances to the scene, where a fire was affecting a play hut outside a primary school and the main building.
"Crew extinguished the fire and made the area safe."
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Meanwhile, detectives in Glasgow are appealing for information after a trailer was set alight in a yard in Dalmarnock, causing around £80,000 worth of damage.
Glasgow Live reported that the incident took place on Swanston Street overnight between Thursday and Friday. The trailer contained a section of a fairground ride, which has been significantly damaged as part of the fire.
Extensive enquiries established that four youngsters were seen in the area around the time of the incident. They are described as being two boys and two girls, all around 14 or 15 years old.
Efforts to identify them and establish the circumstances remain ongoing.
Detective Constable Ross McGill said: “This fire caused a great deal of damage to the trailer and its contents, although it’s fortunate it didn’t spread even further and cause more destruction. “We are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
"We’re also keen to speak with the four young people who were in the area, so would appeal for them to come forward or for anyone who can identify them to do so. If you believe you can assist our enquiries, please call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident 0155 of 24 June. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.”
UPDATE: A 15-year-old male youth has been charged in connection with the fire. A report will be sent to the Scottish Children's Reporter Administration, Police Scotland confirmed.
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