Police probe launched after firebugs target car in secluded city centre lane

As reported in yesterday's Evening Times, firebugs set the silver Kia alight on Buccleuch lane on Wednesday morning, around 3.55am.

Read more: Locals call for urgent action as firebugs turn city lane into 'car graveyard'

Residents say it is the third incident of its type in just 18 months and have warned passersby could be injured, or worse, if it happens again.

Locals previously called for action to stop motorists parking in the privately-owned lane.

Police said enquiries into the incident are ongoing, but there was "nothing to suggest that there are any suspicious circumstances surrounding this fire."

A spokeswoman for Police Scotland added: "Enquiries are being carried out but there has been no crime established at this time.

"However if anyone has any concerns they should speak to their local office, or phone 101."

The lane in the city centre has been the site of another two car blazes since January 2015, with another vehicle exploding days before Christmas.

SNP MSP Sandra White, who represents the area, has also raised concerns and has urged the police to increase patrols.

She said: "It is a very dangerous incident and it is a criminal offence.

"The police should be increasing patrols. Someone is going to get seriously hurt.

"We need to get rid of the bureaucracy here and stop arguing about who is responsible for the lane.

"At this moment in time it's far too urgent to argue about that."

Labour councillor Philip Braat, who represents the Anderston area, said: "I’m concerned about what’s been happening in the lane and I’ve raised those concerns with the police.

"I’ll also raise it with council officers, but I understand that the owners of the lane need to carry out repair work before the council can apply road markings."