Police say a terrifying firebombing of two cars outside plush new Ayr homes may have been a targeted attack.
Officers are desperately trying track down two blaze thugs after motors were torched in Lewis Garden in Doonfoot.
Fire crews raced to the new-build Cala Homes estate around 2am on Sunday morning after the alarm was raised.
The two suspects described as in their early 20s escaped from the scene in the direction of Dunure Road.
Two cars were ravaged by the blaze and were spotted the next burnt out with black soot also covering the properties garage.
On Monday both cars had been removed from the scene with the garage now boarded up.
South Ayrshire’s top cop has made a reassuring plea to shocked neighbours that the incident is “extremely rare”.
Chief Inspector Kevin Lammie has vowed to step up patrols in the area in a bid to bring calm.
Chief Inspector Lammie said: “Extensive enquiries are currently ongoing at present to identify those responsible and this is being treated as a matter of urgency.
“I would like to highlight this type of incident is extremely rare and officers from Police Scotland are working to identify those responsible.
“There will be extra patrols in the wider area and we would like to reassure home owners and the local community that we are doing everything we can to apprehend the culprits.
“We believe this may have been a targeted attack and as such there is a reduced risk to the local community.
“If anyone has information or is concerned in anyway please make contact with Police Scotland on 101.”
Officers carrying out a firebomb probe have asked for dash cam footage or any witnesses to get in touch and to quote incident 0712.
Meanwhile, Ayr MSP Siobhian Brown fears the “reckless act” could have killed someone.
The SNP MSP for Ayr, Prestwick and Troon has condemned blaze thugs.
Ms Brown said: “This was a reckless act in residential area which could have had disastrous and fatal consequences.
“This type of behaviour is entirely unacceptable, and I am struggling to understand the mindset of those who carry out these deliberate attacks.
“I will be speaking with police to seek assurances that this was a one-off attack. Those responsible must be caught and I would urge anyone with any information to get in touch with Police Scotland.
“I would like to extend my sympathies to those affected by this."
Council leader and Ayr West councillor Martin Dowey added: "My thoughts are with those who have been affected by this terrible incident, thankfully no one was injured. I’d like to reassure the public that our partners in the Police are dealing with the incident. If anyone has any information I’d encourage you to contact 101."
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