Young firebugs are being blamed for a dramatic Forfar blaze which destroyed garages in the town on Tuesday night, engulfing a car within them.
The Vauxhall Corsa was reduced to a charred shell in the incident which closed off the Fruithill area of the town as local firefighters battled to bring the inferno under control and stop it spreading to adjacent wooden lock-ups.
Investigations are centred around the possibility youngsters may have been responsible for starting the blaze. It comes as Angus police issued a warning over a spike in vandalism, antisocial behaviour, intimidation and fire-raising in the area with the arrival of lighter nights and the school holidays.
Local Policing Area Sergeant Debbie Donkin said: “Within the last couple of weeks in Angus there have been calls with regards to children setting fires and causing damage to property.
“Not only does this cause upset within the community, the child is placing themselves and others at risk of harm.”
“Further calls have been received regarding teenagers throwing stones at passing vehicles. “
This behaviour is completely unacceptable and there is a significant risk of serious injury to road users, including pedestrians, as a result of such actions.”
Ms Donkin also warned tragedy may befall youngsters lured by the magnetic attraction of abandoned buildings.
“There are also a number of empty and derelict buildings in Angus, many of which are hazardous environments,” she added.
Police have already issued a warning about children climbing on to the roof of Forfar’s empty Lochside leisure centre, and being on the site of the old Forfar Academy, both of which were recently replaced by the town’s new £39 million community campus.
“Children place themselves at risk if they enter these buildings, climb on scaffolding or on the roofs,” added Ms Donkin.
“Each year in the UK, children are injured and require hospital treatment as a result of falls and injury whilst exploring derelict or empty premises.
“There are three buildings in particular in Forfar that young people appear to be using as a playground.
“We are asking parents and carers to assist us, to keep children safe and reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour in our community. We urge parents and carers to be aware of where their children are, who they are with and what they are doing.
“Talking to your child about potential dangers and their consequences could make a difference to their safety,” continued Ms Donkin.
“It is important for young people to understand the potential risks and consequences of their actions. They may get involved in activity they may consider is just ‘a bit of a laugh’ without considering the potential consequences.
“There are opportunities in the local community for young people to take part in organised groups or activities where they can have fun, meet new friends, learn new skills and develop social and team building skills in a safe environment.
“Officers within Angus will be patrolling areas that have been identified for particular anti-social behaviour calls and we will be working with our communities and young people to reduce incidents of this nature and take appropriate enforcement action.”
Anyone with information about the Fruithill blaze, or concerns about antisocial behaviour and incidents of vandalism should contact Police Scotland on 101.
