Ayrshire’s top fire chief has slammed mindless yobs who torched a bin at Ayr beach.
The region’s area commander Ian McMeekin has hit out at reckless firebugs for causing a ‘needless drain’ on emergency services.
It is understood a large group were involved in setting the bin ablaze last Friday night around 9.45pm.
Pictures taken by an eyewitness show shadowy figures huddled around a fire.
The same eyewitness has told how moments later fire crews arrived.
The youths fled the scene by the time police and emergency services arrived.
Area commander McMeekin said: "We were alerted at 9.47pm on Friday, March 10 to reports of a refuse bin on fire on Ayr Beach esplanade.
“Operations Control mobilised one fire appliance and firefighters extinguished the fire.
“There were no reported casualties and crews left after ensuring the area was made safe.”
The fire chief has appealed to parents to make young people aware of the “risks and consequences” of deliberate fire setting.
The area commander added: “Deliberate fires are a needless drain on emergency service resources and can cause devastating damage to our communities, environment and properties.
"Our firefighters and community action teams continue to work extremely hard to engage with the public to promote safety messaging.
“I would also ask parents, guardians, and carers to help by making sure that children and young people are aware of the risks and consequences of deliberate fire setting.
"Deliberate fires are never acceptable, and we'll always work with police and other partners to identify those responsible."
Police also confirmed they received a report of the fire.
A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: "Around 9.45 pm on Friday, March 15, police received a report of a large group of youths having set fire to a bin next to the water fountain at Ayr Beach.”
Council chiefs have vowed to carry out repairs after the grass on the Low Green was left torched by the blaze.
A council spokesperson added: "This appears to be senseless vandalism. We will ensure that our grounds team carry out any repairs as quickly as possible.”
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