Police confirm empty care home fire was started deliberately

A police investigation is now being carried out following a blaze at an unoccupied care home in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire last Friday night.

The fire ripped through the building on Lefroy Street at 11:30pm as Strathclyde Fire and Rescue were called to the scene.

The recently renovated care home was badly damaged in the fire where three men in dark clothing were spotted running away from the building towards Corsewall Street.

A joint investigation between Strathclyde Fire and Rescue and police has now begun, with an appeal for witnesses to come forward.

Detective Sergeant John Ferguson said:

“Inquiries made so far have revealed that this fire was started deliberately and I’d like to speak to anyone with any information which could help us trace those responsible.

“I would therefore urge anyone who may have seen these men either hanging around the local area prior to the fire starting, or anyone who saw a group of men running off afterwards or discarding items of clothing, to get in touch with police as a matter of urgency.”

As the building was unoccupied at the time of the possible arson attack, there were no reported injuries.