iStockA man has been charged in connection with a deliberate fire in North Lanarkshire amid an ongoing gang war across the central belt.
Police arrested and charged the man in connection with attempting to pervert the course of justice following a wilful fire-raising in Bellshill on May 23, 2025.
The 51-year-old is due to appear at Hamilton Sheriff Court at a later date.
It comes after gang violence broke out in March across the central belt, including other fire-raisings and the discharge of firearms.
Police Scotland said the arrest brings the total number in connection with Operation Portaledge, the ongoing investigation into violent incidents across the country, to 48.
Earlier on Wednesday, the force confirmed two men were charged in connection with the attempted murder of a 54-year-old man on Pitcairn Grove on Thursday, May 22.
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