Ayr’s top cop says two terrifying fire attacks in the town are not linked.
The front door of a flat was torched during a murder bid in the early hours of Sunday morning in the town’s Russell Drive.
That happened a fortnight after two cars were torched in a new-build estate – Lewis Gardens in Doonfoot.
However, Chief Inspector Kevin Lammie insists both targeted attacks are not connected as he issued a plea to reassure residents.
The South Ayrshire area commander told Ayrshire Live: “Extensive enquiries remain ongoing into two wilful fireraisings in the Lewis Gardens and Russell Drive areas of Ayr, which have taken place over the last few weeks.
“These incidents are believed to have been targeted and there is nothing to suggest they are linked in any way, or there is any danger to the wider community.”
Pictures from the scene of the flat blaze show thick black smoke at the front door of the top-floor property. Extra patrols have been deployed in the Wallacetown area.
Detectives have told how they are treating the attack in Russell Drive as attempted murder.
Detective inspector Martin Prendergast, of Ayr CID, said: “Thankfully, no one was injured, however, the fire was started deliberately and could have had serious consequences.
“I am appealing to local residents for any information they may have regarding this incident. Any small piece of information could prove to be the vital link we need as we continue to piece together the circumstances of what happened.
“I would also ask anyone in the area at the time to check their dash-cam, or private space CCTV footage, as it could have captured images relevant to our ongoing enquiries."
He added: “This incident will have generated concern in the local community and I would like to reassure everyone that additional officers will be on patrol in this area. Anyone with concerns can approach these officers.”
Ayr MSP Siobhian Brown has slammed reckless firebugs after a worrying trend of fire-raising in her constituency.
Ms Brown said: “I am once again shocked at seeing this kind of reckless behaviour in a residential area in my constituency.
“This could have had fatal consequences and I am pleased police are treating this as attempted murder.
“This type of behaviour is entirely unacceptable, and I would urge anyone who knows anything to contact police. Those responsible must be caught. My thoughts are with those affected by this.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident 0677 of Saturday, September 10.
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