A Dundee taxi driver says he fears for his livelihood after his car was destroyed in a suspected arson attack just metres from his home.
Tony Robertson said he heard what sounded like an explosion while at home in Alloway Terrace, before running outside to discover his seven-seater ablaze.
The 56-year-old was sitting in his living room when the fire unfolded just before 11pm on Wednesday night.
The fire began in a blue Ford Fiesta which had been parked in the street for around a week.
It then quickly spread to Mr Robertson’s taxi parked alongside it.
‘Huge orange glow’ lit up street
Mr Robertson, who has lived on the street for 17 years, said: “I was sat watching TV and getting ready to go to bed.
“I heard this huge explosion and thought ‘what the hell?’.
“I think half the street heard it.
“Next thing I could see this huge orange glow come through the windows.
“I couldn’t believe it when I got outside and saw the fire and smoke.”
Both vehicles have been completely destroyed while burnt oil and rubber still permeate the air along the entire street.
Emergency services raced to the scene before quickly extinguishing the blaze around half an hour later.
Police have confirmed the incident is being treated as wilful fire-raising.
Mr Robertson, a former Michelin worker, says he feared for his home until the fire service brought the flames under control.
Although glad nobody is injured, he suspects the attack could be a financial disaster for him.
The burnt-out vehicle belongs to Blairgowrie taxi firm A. Mackie and he fears there will be no alternative cars he can use.
He said: “I only took up this job around a year ago after leaving Michelin, a job I loved.
“I’ve really enjoyed being a taxi driver too; it’s really depressing.
“Taxi firms have had a rough time over the past 18 months so I hope the insurance comes through for them.
“Worst comes to the worst, I’ll get another job but it’s gutting really.
“There was nothing I could do. The tyres were popping and there was debris flying through the air, I had to just stand and watch.
“A fireman managed to get into the car and grab some of my belongings including my taxi phone so that’s something at least.
“But my house still stinks of smoke and I’m sure others will be the same.
“I found a petrol can on the grass beside the parking spaces so I suspect that’s what was used and I’ve told the police.”
Angela Mackie, owner of the taxi firm, confirmed she owns the vehicle.
She added that getting another taxi is going to be a “huge stress.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 11pm on Wednesday, November 3, officers were called to a report of a fire on Alloway Terrace, Dundee.
“The fire is being treated as wilful and anyone with information should contact 101, quoting incident number 4068 of November 3.”
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