Police hunting three youths after 'deliberate' gorse fire in Moray

Police are searching for three male youths as part of their investigation into a “large” wildfire in Moray.

Emergency services were called to Strathlene, between Buckie and Findochty, around 8.45pm on Saturday, April 6 after a gorse fire was deliberately started.

Fire crews managed to extinguish the blaze and no one was injured.

A large area of ground has been left damaged as a result of the incident.

Police are treating the fire as wilful and are looking to identify three youths seen in the area around the time.

Police Constable Christopher MacKinnon said: “We are carrying out enquiries and the fire is being treated as wilful.

“Fortunately no one was injured however a large area of ground has been damaged.

“As part of our investigation we are trying to identify three male youths seen in the area around this time.

“The first is described as around 15-years-old, long curly red hair, slim build, wearing a blue jacket. The second was older than the first, tall, wearing a jacket with a blue tick. The third was smaller than the others and carrying a man-bag.

“We are also asking anyone in the area with private CCTV to check it and get in touch if there is anything that could assist with our enquiries.

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3444 of Saturday, April 6, 2024, or get in touch with Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.