Car occupants hunted after Peter Lawwell's house targeted in blaze

Detectives are hunting the occupants of two cars after Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell’s home was targeted in a fire attack.

Officers were called to the blaze in Thorntonhall, Sotuh Lanarkshire, last Wednesday after three vehicles were doused in petrol and set alight around 1am.

The 61-year-old and his family were forced to flee their home as the fire took hold of their garage.

One week on since the incident, officers have released details of two cars which were spotted “acting suspiciously” in the area at the time.

They believe a light-coloured hatchback – possibly a Mercedes A Class – and white Fiat 500 may hold the key to their enquiries.

Celtic chief Peter Lawwell’s house badly damaged after explosion STV News

The cars were last seen driving off south, along South Road, in the direction of Queensway, East Kilbride.

Detective inspector Susie Cairns said: “Over the past week we have continued with our detailed enquiries into what happened in our efforts to trace the person, or persons, responsible.

“We know that one man poured an accelerant on the vehicles. What we want to trace now are these vehicles, seen around the Thorntonhall area during the early hours of Wednesday, May 19.

“I would ask again for anyone who may have been on the surrounding roads, or the Queensway, and recording with dash cam, to provide any relevant footage to officers as soon as possible.

“Also for anyone with private CCTV footage in these areas to check their system to see if either vehicle is captured. We’re keen to find these cars and their occupants to understand why they were in the area at this time.”

The male suspect is described as around 5ft10 and of slim build. He was wearing black joggers, a black hooded jumper with the hood up, black trainers and a face mask.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 0134 of 19 May. Alternatively, if you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.