Largs arson attacks destroy car, van and trailer

Residents in Charles Street in Largs told the News that it is the third such blaze in their street over recent weeks, and they are anxious about the situation.

One Largs resident told the News: "Over the last four weeks in Charles Street there have been three vehicle fires.

"There has been a van and trailer parked for a long time. Before bonfire night the trailer was set on fire, shortly after the van was set on fire last week.

"And on Monday morning of this week, a car parked very, very close to the van was set on fire.

"The residents are very worried about their own property and cars. People would like to know what is going on, and why has the van and the car been allowed to sit burnt out."

A metal shed and caravan was also set on fire in the adjoining Hill Street too over recent weeks.

It follows vehicles in Hill Street, and the Gateside Street car park, having also been targeted over recent months.

Councillor Tom Marshall said: "The van and the trailer have been parked there unattended for a long time. I have reported the incidents to North Ayrshire Council in the hope that they can be taken away, as well as the vehicle in Hill Street.

"I think the van and trailer had been parked there for over a year - the council did take the damaged trailer away.

"There have been a few fire-raising incidents in the town. It is undeniably a worry for residents as you don't want someone to torch your vehicle.

"It is very unusual having these incidents in an area like Charles Street, which is normally free of such incidents.

"It goes back to not having a 24/7 police presence in the town and a reduction of police officers.

"There is too much centralisation to Kilbirnie and we have to rely in response cars attending which is part of the problem given the spate of crime we have had over recent months."

A spate of shoplifting incidents have taken place in the town, as well as a number of shop break-ins, while community councillors Jim and Patricia Perman told the News that they had to get CCTV in at their property in May Street after a brick was thrown through their window."

In relation to the latest incident, a Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 1.48am on Monday, November 13 to reports of a car on fire near to the railway bridge at Charles Street, Largs.

“Operations Control mobilised one fire appliance and firefighters extinguished a fire affecting one car.

“There were no reported casualties and crews left after ensuring the area was made safe.”

Sergeant Donald Fisher, Largs Police Office, said: “Recently we’ve received a number of reports of wilful vehicle fires in the Largs area. Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances. 

“Wilful fires are not only dangerous to those who set them, members of the public and emergency services attending the incidents are also put at risk. We’ll continue to work with partner agencies to identify those responsible. 

“I’d ask anyone with information about wilful fires in the area to contact us on 101, or in the case of an emergency 999.”