A series of fires described by police as “reckless and despicable acts” that could have killed someone are being treated as deliberate.
Detectives are appealing for information about the fires in a common close and two rear garden areas on Highholm Street, Port Glasgow, Inverclyde, at around 1.40am on Friday.
Several homes were evacuated and residents were checked over by ambulance crews.
No-one required hospital treatment.
The fires are being treated as wilful and inquiries are ongoing to trace whoever is responsible.
Detectives are speaking to people in the local community and gathering CCTV footage from in and around the local area to gain more information on this crime.
Inverclyde area commander chief inspector Damian Kane said: “This is an absolutely reckless and despicable act that could easily have led to fatalities were it not for the swift actions of colleagues from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
“I would urge the local community to assist CID in their investigation of this incident by contacting Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident 0196 of February 23.
“Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has been contacted for comment.
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