Police hunting man on bike after dog killed in deliberate flat fire

Police believe the same person could be responsible for vandalism reported on the same day.

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Police are hunting a man dressed in black after a dog was killed in a deliberate flat fire in Inverness.

Emergency services were called to a fire in a flat in Caledonian Road around 8.10am on Wednesday.

No one was injured in the fire but a dog was found dead within the property.

Officers are now searching for a man dressed in black clothing and riding a dark-coloured bike, who was seen entering the flat around 1.30am that morning.

He was seen cycling away in the direction of Lilac Grove.

An incident of vandalism which happened around 12.20am on Wednesday is also being investigated in Kestral Place area of Drakies and officers believe the same person may be responsible.

Door-to-door enquiries are being carried out and police are still reviewing CCTV footage for additional information.

Detective Inspector Calum Reid said: “I am appealing to anyone who has any information regarding these incidents to contact us.

“Efforts are ongoing to fully understand the motive behind these crimes but it’s imperative we trace the person responsible.

“I would ask anyone with CCTV, dash-cams and doorbell recording devices to check their footage as images captured could prove significant in our investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 0676 of Wednesday, 21 May, 2025. Alternatively, you can get in touch with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.