Police hunt man 'who tried to set fire to Rocco's café in Hamilton' using petrol as accelerant

Officers are appealing for information after a man deliberately spilled accelerant in a café in Hamilton on Thursday.

Police said a man ran into Rocco’s Café on Brandon Street around 12.30pm and threw the liquid, believed to be petrol, onto the floor of the establishment.

He was disturbed by staff and passing police officers, and ran off towards Strathmore Road before leaving the officers’ sight.

No one was injured as a result of the incident, however, staff have been left shaken by what happened.

The man was dressed all in black, and had a mask covering his face.

He is described as being around 6ft tall, of slim build, and had light hair.

The force is appealing for motorists with dashcams who were in the area between 12pm and 12.40pm to check their footage for any sign of the perpetrator.

They are also appealing for anyone who may have seen the man either before or after the attempted attack, as he may have been loitering in the area prior to the incident.

Detective inspector Jamie Campbell of Hamilton CID said: “Thankfully no one was hurt by this attack, but if he had managed to light the accelerant then this could have caused significant harm to the staff and damage to the building.

“Although no motive has been established for this attack, we believe that for whatever reason, the café was the intended target.

“The suspect was around 6ft tall, of slim build, fair hair and was seen carrying a petrol can.

“We have been checking CCTV and speaking to those in the area at the time and would further appeal to any motorists with dash-cams who may have been in the area between 12.00pm and 12.40pm. They may have captured footage that may assist officers with their enquiries.

“We’d also like to hear from anyone who may have seen the man either before or afterwards. It’s possible he had been hanging about the area prior to the attack on the café.

Any information can be passed to officers at Hamilton Police Station via 101 by quoting reference number 1700 of Thursday, May 19, 2022 when calling. Alternatively, details can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.