Vandals torch vehicles at repair yard in Torrance

Terrified residents had to leave their homes as the fire erupted at Ferrymill Motors, in Campsie Road, Torrance.

Gas cyclinders could be heard exploding as fire crews battled to get the blaze under control.

Six buses, 12 caravans and two motor homes were gutted - causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

At one stage there were fears the inferno would spread to other vehicles.

Kieran McCahill, managing director of Ferrymill Motors, said: “It’s worrying to think that someone has targeted the business. Around £15,000 of work went into the vehicles.

“In events like this you really appreciate the emergency services. The fire brigade did an excellent job.

“Thankfully, no-one was injured. Our workshop and business will continue.

“We are in contact with the police to get to the bottom of this and find out how it was caused.”

The alarm was raised just after 8pm on Monday, January 28. Around 20 residents, whose homes back on to the Ferrymill Motors premises, were evacuated until the area was made safe.

Mum-of-one Elaine Differ said: “My wee boy shouted ‘fire’ and when I looked out the back window, the buses were up in flames.

“It was terrifying. We heard explosion after explosion. If the wind had changed the caravans at the back of our house would have went up – and then our homes.

“We went to a neighbour’s house and were the last ones to get back home at about 10pm.”

Police and fire services are investigating the incident and enquiries have confirmed that the fire was set deliberately.

Anyone with information about the fire is asked to contact Kirkintilloch Police Office on 0141 532 4400 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

See this week’s paper for more on this story.

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