Arsonists are causing a 'trail of destruction' by targeting a secluded city lane for the fifth time in 18 months.

Fire bugs have repeatedly started blazes on Buccleuch Lane, targeting cars and most recently residents' bins.

The spate of attacks has prompted safety concerns from locals and councillors who are worried about passersby being injured, and their property destroyed.

Emergency crews raced to the latest incident around 11.15pm on Wednesday August 24 to find a number of wheelie bins and rubbish set alight, following a 999 call.

Read more: Motorists "playing with fire" by using lane after fourth car torched in 12 months

The fire is believed to have started deliberately.

A fire service spokesman said: "We received a 999 call shortly after 11:15pm on Wednesday night in which the caller reported a fire in Buccleuch Lane.

“A fire engine was immediately scrambled from Cowcaddens and it reached the scene within five minutes.

“The crew used a high pressure jet to put out the flames, which involved a quantity of rubbish.

“With the fire extinguished they left around 15 minutes later"

It comes just a week after a car went up in flames in the same spot, damaging a nearby van and wooden door backing in to a back court in the process.

Another car was set alight in June and a vehicle exploded just before Christmas after it was torched.

Read more: Motorists "playing with fire" by using lane after fourth car torched in 12 months

Since the last incident, police have stepped up patrols in the area in an attempt to crack down on the problem.

A spokesman from Garnethill community council said: "Ever since the last car fire a few weeks ago, which was the fourth car to go on fire, police have given extra attention to the lanes and surrounding area "At times it could be on an hourly basis and the community council are very grateful for their help.

"However this latest incident proves that no matter how much cover we have from the police, these firebugs still are able to get access to areas and cause real danger and property damage.

"This has to be combated. It must stop now

"We would appeal to the community to be extra vigilant and if you see anything or anyone suspicious call police no matter how trivial it is as it could help in an arrest and stop these firebugs from continuing their trail of destruction.

"It clearly shows we have a serious problem with arsonists."

Local Green councillor Nina Baker said the solution to the problem would have to involve the residents paying to resurface the lane.

She said: "I would like to see all the co-owners chip in to resurface the lane.

Read more: Motorists "playing with fire" by using lane after fourth car torched in 12 months

"This would allow the council to put the necessary markings down so that existing parking restrictions can actually be enforced. Otherwise these problems are a matter for SFRS and SPS to manage between them.

A police spokeswoman said enquiries into the blaze are ongoing, and they were alerted to the incident by the fire service.

She added: " If anyone sees anything suspicious they should report it to us on 101."