RESIDENTS had to be evacuated after a van was deliberately set on fire outside a house in Hamilton.

The blaze was started in the early hours of this morning with emergency services rushing to the scene at Comely Bank at around 2am. 

Police say the fire had also caused damage to a nearby gas meter, and following a joint investigation with fire services, the incident is being treated as wilful.

Detective Constable Stuart Burnside, from Cambuslang CID, said: “This was a deliberate and reckless act that not only caused significant damage to the vehicle, but also endangered a number of local residents who had to be evacuated from their homes in the middle of the night.

“We will not tolerate this type of behaviour and it is crucial that we speak to anyone who witnessed the incident or noticed anything suspicious in the surrounding area in the early hours of this morning.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact officers at Cambuslang CID via 101 and quote incident number 0227/24. Alternatively you can call CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555 111 where details can be given in confidence.”