Three boys have been charged after part of a stand at a Scots stadium and a nursery garden were 'set on fire'.
Police launched a probe after part of a stand at Kilmarnock Rugby Club on Queens Drive was allegedly set alight at around 1.35am on Wednesday January 25. The second incident happened when a a gazebo at a nursery on Jeffrey Street in the East Ayrshire town went on fire at around 1.20am on Friday, February 3.
As previously reported by the Record, footage taken from the scene showed huge flames with smoke billowing up into the sky while images taken later on showed the area totally wrecked. Garden furniture could be seen burnt out where the children's book area and toys used to sit.
Three boys, one aged 12 and two aged 14, have now been charged in connection with the two "wilful fire-raising incidents". A report has been sent to the Procurator Fiscal.
Inspector Iain Farmer, of Kilmarnock Police Station, said: “Fortunately no one was injured in either incident but this was reckless behaviour where facilities at the heart of our communities were targeted. The outcome could have been much worse but it is bad enough that damage was caused at a cost to these businesses.
“This type of conduct will not be tolerated and we will always work to find those responsible and not let them get away with such dangerous conduct. We are working with partners to reduce instances of this kind of behaviour but we also need the support of parents, carers and guardians.
“Given the time that these fires were started, I would urge all to be aware of where their children are, particularly in the middle of the night when they should not be out and about but safe and secure.”
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