Police launch probe after blaze at Stonehouse home

May 6 2010 by Gary Fanning, Hamilton Advertiser

FAMILIES this week told how they feared for their lives after thugs torched a home in a village.

Anxious residents were worried that the blaze in Union Street, Stonehouse, could have caused a massive gas explosion.

Yobs were being hunted by police after the fire ripped through the home at about 1am last Friday. Two fire engines, police cars and the gas and electricity utility services raced to the scene.

A mum, known locally as Sheena, and her young daughter live in the property. Luckily, they had moved out and were staying in a hotel in Hamilton when the hooligans struck.

The area was sealed off until the Fire Brigade had the blaze under control. No-one was hurt in the incident.

Eyewitness Ashley Triggs (21), who lives behind the gutted property, said: “I was sitting in the living room at about 1.15am and the lights were flickering.

“I was concerned and got my sister Sophie out of her bed. We could smell a lot of smoke. We looked outside and saw the smoke all over the street. We went out and could see the flames from the house.

“We were concerned abut the gas and electricity causing an explosion.

“I have a one-week old baby brother and we had to get him out of the house. The heavy smoke could have got into his lungs.”

Ashley’s sister Sophie (16) said the fire could have had more serious consequences.

“It was very scary,” she said. “It was frightening to see the huge flames. Sparks were coming out of the house.”

Demolition work is taking place at the property next door to the blaze.

Sally Pyper, a youth worker who is the grandmother of Ashley and Sophie, was concerned about the fire.

“People were fearing for their lives,” she said. “They didn’t know what was happening or if there was going to be an explosion.

“It was horrific. You work hard all your days and then everything you possess goes up in smoke.”

Lisa Smith, a spokeswoman for Strathclyde Police, said: “The fire is being treated as suspicious. A full investigation will be carried out in conjunction with Fire and Rescue.”

l Witnesses should contact Hamilton Police Office on 483300 or alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.