Police are treating the firebombing of a car linked to wealthy businessman Alan Macrae as connected to a blaze at his home garden bar last year.
It comes after the latest in a long list of fire-raising attacks in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, took place last Friday when a BMW 420 coupe was torched in the driveway of a home in Pailis Crescent.
Officers have now confirmed that the attack on the targeted motor is being treated as linked to the May 2021 blaze which destroyed a £55,000 external bar at Macrae's family home, just one mile away.
Officers are now appealing for dashcam footage from anyone who may have witnessed Friday's car attack.
Detective Constable Graeme Easton said: “No one was hurt, but this was an extremely dangerous act and it’s vital we trace the person responsible.
“I’m appealing for anyone who saw what happened or who has any information about the fire to contact police. I would also urge anyone with CCTV or dash-cam footage of the area at the time to get in touch.”
The fires are among a catalogue of similar incidents to erupt in Bothwell in the past 18 months, with homes, restaurants and cars targeted by thugs.
Alan Macrae is well known in the village and runs the successful Avia Signs business in Coatbridge.
He has been a sponsor of Rangers and friends with several of the club’s players.
After the incident last year he suggested that he could have been targeted because he is a Rangers fan.
Furious Macrae took to social media after the crime, saying: “To the scumbags who burnt down my bar last night, I look forward to meeting you when we catch you, and we will catch you.”
Anyone with information or footage can contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference 4444 of 3 June, 2022. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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