Tory councillor's home targeted with firebomb in third attack

Police enquiries are under way after the home of a Scottish Conservative councillor was targeted in a firebomb attack.

Officers said that no-one was injured in the fire at the property, which they said they are treating as “wilful”.

Both cars were set ablaze resulting in the house also catching fire. The cars and the property sustained significant damage as a result.

It is the third time that Graeme Campbell, who represents Avondale and Stonehouse, has been targeted.

In 2019, Campbell’s car and house in Strathaven were petrol bombed as he and his family slept.

Then in September last year, he was forced to scale back his work after two cars were vandalised with a corrosive substance and a house window was smashed.

Speaking at the time, Campbell indicated his belief that a local organised criminal was behind both attacks.

The third incident against Campbell took place in the early hours of Saturday.

Detective chief inspector Martin McGhee said: “I am appealing to anyone who may have been in the area around the time of the incident.

“Did you notice anything suspicious or see anyone acting oddly.

“I would ask any motorists or taxi-drivers with dash cam devices to check their footage as the device may have captured images which could assist our investigation.

“Any small piece of information could assist us in identifying who is responsible for this attack.”

“Enquiries to establish the circumstances of the fire, which is being treated as wilful, are ongoing.”

Scottish Conservative shadow community safety minister Russell Findlay said there must be zero tolerance towards any attacks of such nature.

“Councillor Campbell and his wife could have been killed in this disgusting and cowardly attack,” he said.

“They are understandably devastated. These are decent, law-abiding people and it is the third time their home has been targeted.

“I will be seeking assurances from the Scottish Government, Crown Office and Police Scotland that this attack is investigated to the fullest possible extent.

“There must be zero tolerance towards any attack of this nature. Organised criminals prey on communities across Scotland. Fire is indiscriminate and even where the intent is to intimidate, it can kill.”