Twisted vandals attempted to petrol bomb Larkhall nursing home

Sep 15 2011 by Gary Fanning, Hamilton Advertiser

VANDALS hurled a petrol bomb at a former care home in Larkhall.

Yobs tired to set fire to the Sefton Park Nursing Home building in Carlisle Road, Larkhall, at 9.30pm on Sunday.

In a sinister attack, they threw a bottle containing a flammable liquid towards the nursing home.

Fortunately, the bottle narrowly missed striking the building and failed to explode. No-one was injured and there was no damage to the property.

Larkhall SNP councillor Lesley McDonald said she was shocked by the incident.

“It is a very serious incident and it was fortunate that no one was hurt,” she said.

“I think it is diabolical and anyone who witnessed the incident should contact the police.”

Inspector Gillian Scott, of Hamilton Police Office, slammed the vandals and insisted the incident could have had more serious consequences.

“This type of indiscriminate and reckless act can lead to serious consequences,” she said.

“I would urge anyone who has information on this incident to get in touch with the police.”

Anyone with information should Larkhall Police Office on 202300, or alternatively telephone Crimestoppers on 0800 555111, where calls are free and callers can remain anonymous.

In May, the Advertiser reported how the care home, which catered for the elderly and also disabled young people, was set to close with the loss of 62 Larkhall jobs.

A total of 35 residents in the home were given 12 weeks’ notice to relocate to other care homes.

Owners Southern Cross Healthcare took the decision because the care home was no longer fit for purpose.

Inspectors said it was “of an unacceptable standard”.