Fairhill arson attack raises more fear for residents

Mar 4 2010

POLICE were this week hunting thugs who deliberately torched a Fairhill home.

On Friday evening, sick vandals used petrol to set fire to the door in Kerr Crescent while a woman was inside.

While no-one was injured, neighbours are worried that similar reckless acts in the area of Kerr Crescent and Fairhill Avenue could lead to fatalities.

A police spokesman confirmed they were probing the blaze.

“The incident happened about 7.45pm and it would appear that it was related to a previous disturbance in the street before the fire,” she said.

The householder became aware of a bang and the sound of glass being broken on Friday evening.

When she went to investigate, she noticed a glow from the front door area.

A small fire had broken out, and smoke filled the hall.

The woman immediately called the emergency services.

The spokesman added: “There was subsequent fire damage to the front door, and it would appear that an accelerant had been used.

“We will be holding an inquiry with fire and rescue services, and would like anyone with information to get in touch.”

Meanwhile, neighbours said that the fire was just the latest act in a long history of anti-social behaviour in the area.

One woman told the Advertiser this week that many residents are living in fear of a number of violent thugs in nearby Fairhill Avenue.

She said: “These guys are simply horrible.

“They are making kids empty their pockets, taking mobile phones and money of 12-year-old boys out playing football.

“They battered a wee boy not long ago, and were certainly involved in the fire attack.

“Neighbours are constantly contacting the police and the council, but we’re not getting anywhere.”

The woman, who did not wished to be named for fear of reprisals, claimed that the thugs are often seen parading with golf clubs in Fairhill Avenue.

She added: “They are like a pack of wolves, and are all friends.

“There are about six of them that are causing all the bother, and some of them are family.

“Honestly, right now, living in Fairhill Avenue is like living in the Bronx. There are constant threats of violence, and it’s no way to live.

“It’s hell, and only a matter of time before some poor innocent boy is injured by the likes of this lot.”

Inspector Gillian Scott said yesterday (Wednesday) that police were aware of such incidents in Fairhill Avenue and continued to act swiftly.

She said: “We are aware of several persons who are creating such anti-social behaviour in the area, and we will work with the community to deal with these people effectively.

“I would urge anyone who is experiencing such crimes or harassment to contact myself or my officers in the first instance.

“Officers will be carrying out high- visibility patrols to try tackle these issues and to reassure the public in the areas of Fairhill Avenue.”

Last month, the Advertiser reported on an anti-social behaviour investigation focusing on yob behaviour in Fairhill Avenue.

The probe came after a young woman told of alleged repeated abuse and threats from a gang of local youths.

Anyone with information on the incident should contact Hamilton Police Office on 483300, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 55111.