Fire which ripped through Italian restaurant in Bothwell started deliberately, police say

A fire at an Italian restaurant in South Lanarkshire was started deliberately, police have confirmed.

The fire, which occurred at Da Luciano’s restaurant on Silverwells Crescent in Bothwell, is being treated as wilful.

A joint investigation with Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is now under way after the blaze broke out on Tuesday just after 12.30am.

Officers also confirmed the arrest of a 51-year-old man in connection to obstruction at the scene, however it is understood that this arrest is not linked to the fire.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 12.35am on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, we were called to a report of a fire at a premises on Silverwells Crescent in Bothwell.

“There were no reports of any injuries and the fire was put out by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

“The fire is being treated as wilful and a joint investigation is being carried out to establish the full circumstances.

“A 51-year-old man was arrested in connection with obstruction.”

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 12.32am on Tuesday, July 18 to reports of a fire in a commercial restaurant at Silverwells Crescent, Bothwell in Glasgow.

“Operations Control immediately mobilised two fire appliances then soon after increased to four fire appliances.

“On arrival firefighters found a well-developed fire within the ground floor of a two storey traditional building.

“There were no casualties and firefighters left the scene at 3.46am after ensuring the fire was extinguished and the area was made safe.

“Fire investigation teams and Police Scotland remain on scene.”