[F]ollowing a joint fire investigation with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Police Scotland say they are treating a fire in Northfield park in Annan which destroyed a BMW car and a house as suspicious.
The fire was discovered at around 0015 hours on Monday 6 November 2017 when the occupants were awoken by a loud bang. On investigating it was found that a BMW car which was parked in the driveway, next to the house, was on fire. The occupants, three adults and three children, aged ten years, four years and nine months all evacuated the house and telephoned the Fire and Rescue Service.
On arrival the Fire and Rescue Service tackled the fire which had by this time spread to the house. As a result both the BMW car and the house were completely destroyed. No-one was injured as a result of the fire.
Detective Inspector Dean Little at Dumfries said: “It is quite clear that the occupants of this house had a very lucky escape in this fire which has spread from the car to the house and destroyed both as a result. We are now conducting enquiries into what is a serious case of wilful fire-raising which could have had tragic consequences had the family not been able to escape the house.
“We are carrying out door to door enquiries in the area and will be reviewing CCTV which we have been able to retrieve from the community. I am now appealing to the community, particularly the local residents in and around Northfield Park or anybody who may have been in the area at around midnight on Sunday night, to come forward with any information which might help us in this enquiry.
“Did you see any persons or any unfamiliar vehicles in the area around this time? If you did I would urge you to contact us. I would also ask anyone who may have a private CCTV system to get in touch in order we might review any footage which may assist in this enquiry.
“Anyone who has any information which might help us trace those responsible for this horrendous crime is asked to call us at Annan on the 101 number, or if they want to remain anonymous then through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
