An Edinburgh mum has spoken of her family's fear after multiple cars have been set alight before 'exploding' near her home.
Sarah Grossman, who lives on Coltbridge Avenue, Roseburn, said two cars have been driven onto the Coltbridge Viaduct, where vehicles are not permitted, in the last three months before being torched. The ensuing infernos have sent debris and sparks flying over the bridge onto neighbouring homes.
On Monday night, April 10, a van was set alight on the viaduct and left to eventually 'explode' above Sarah's home - with her kids, aged eight and 15, terrified at being awoken during the night.
READ MORE: Angry Edinburgh family of Trainspotting actor Bradley Welsh reject police apology
As well as raising concerns over bits of debris and sparks landing on homes and vehicles below, Sarah said the flames are getting dangerously close to trees overlooking the Water of Leith - home to countless species of wildlife.
Speaking about the impact the terrifying incidents are having on her and her family, the 37-year-old said: "I had put the kids to bed and all of a sudden there was a huge bang.
"The car was left on the viaduct and it looks like it was driven from Roseburn onto the bridge which is the second time it has happened in the last three months. The first occasion was in January which was awful but we put it down to idiot behaviour at New Year time.
"We're now worried and can't look away any more. Where I live is nothing compared to the houses which are closer. Those who live in the house directly below are terrified their car or house is going to catch on fire because when the gas tank explodes, debris falls down from the bridge and there are a lot of fire hazards down there.
"Closer to where it was, there is also a nursery. Obviously on both occasions it has happened at night when there are no children there but it is still off-putting to know it is happening so close.
"It's also right next to St George Primary School which is concerning. The viaduct is closed to vehicles so we just want to know why they are using it to set cars on fire as it's not like it's in the middle of nowhere."
Pictures taken by Sarah on Monday night show how close the flames were to her home. She said the whole sky was lit up orange leaving her kids terrified.
On Tuesday morning, April 11, images show the remains of a burnt-out van on the viaduct surrounded by a pile of rubble and debris with police tape wrapped around the shell.
A spokesperson for Police Scotland has since confirmed the fire is being treated as wilful and enquiries into the matter are ongoing.
Sarah, who works in performance marketing, continued: "Luckily the fire service and police arrived quickly and were great at dealing with the incident. So many of us have Ring doorbells but none of us could see any footage of either vehicles being left.
"I've lived her for about a year and a half but some have lived much longer and say these two incidents are the first of their kind. It's very quiet and normal street so this behaviour is not expected.
"One of the houses under the viaduct has five kids in it and they are all really stressed. You're just lying asleep at night then you hear a bang and when you look out the window the whole sky goes red and orange, it's pretty terrifying for little children.
"Our pets are also freaking out and hiding which is sad. It is a conservation area and we know Kingfishers are nesting in the area so their nest could easily catch fire when they're supposed to be hatching eggs.
"We are all wondering why they're doing this. If you were trying to get rid of evidence you'd drive as far away as possible, not the middle of a bridge, we just don't get it."
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 10.30pm on Monday, 10 April, 2023, police were called to a report of a car fire at the viaduct near Coltbridge Avenue, Edinburgh. The fire is being treated as wilful and enquiries into the matter are ongoing.”
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 10.31pm on Monday, April 10 to reports of a fire near to a cycle path at Coltbridge Viaduct, Coltbridge Avenue, Edinburgh.
“Operations Control mobilised one fire appliance and firefighters extinguished a fire affecting one car.
“There were no reported casualties and crews left after ensuring the area was made safe.”
READ NEXT:
First look at luxury Edinburgh homes being built at former Sick Kids hospital
Khloe Kardashian trolled after posing in 'semi detached Dalkeith house'
Scottish mum who couldn't squeeze soap from dish cloth given 18 months to live
Pregnant bride pushed off Arthur's Seat was just 'days away' from leaving husband
Police rush to Edinburgh street after car flips onto its roof in horror smash
