Bellshill residents woken up by 'bangs' after second car fire this month

Residents on a Lanarkshire street have said they feel “unsafe” after being woken up by loud “bangs” from a car fire for the second time this month.

Emergency services were called to Clydesdale Road in Bellshill at around 12.08am on Tuesday following reports of a car on fire.

Fire crews were able to extinguish the blaze and no injuries were reported as a result. Police are treating the fire as wilful.

A concerned resident told STV News that the incident is the second to take place in the area in the last three weeks and has left her feeling “unsafe”.

Firefighters were called out to nearby Kirklee Road around 10pm on September 7 after another car went on fire.

A similar car fire took place on September 7 on the nearby Kirklee Road Supplied

The resident said: “The bangs from the fire woke me up. I don’t feel safe because I have a child.”

A video of the latest incident shows the vehicle engulfed in flames as locals throw buckets of water on it.

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 00.08am on Tuesday, September 24 to reports of a car on fire at Clydesdale Road, Bellshill.

“Operations Control immediately mobilised one appliance to the scene and firefighters extinguished the fire.

“There were no reported casualties and crews left the scene after ensuring the area was made safe.”

Police Scotland has confirmed that both fires are being treated as wilful

The car was completely destroyed by the fire on Tuesday morning Supplied

Detective Constable Ian Dymock said: “We are fortunate that no one was hurt in these reckless acts, but the damage caused to the vehicles is significant.

“It is unclear whether these two incidents are linked however we are keeping an open mind at this stage and are appealing for any information which could assist with our enquiries.

“We are urging anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area around the times of either of these incidents to come forward.

“We are particularly keen to speak with anyone who may have dash-cam footage or private CCTV from the surrounding area that could assist with our enquiries.”