Police hunt bin blaze neds who forced OAPs to flee home in terror

May 10 2012 By Ben Spencer

A TERRIFIED elderly couple were forced from their home after thugs started a wheelie bin fire that spread inside.

Police said the man, 84, and his 83-year-old wife were woken when they heard a loud noise in their kitchen at Old Castle Road, Cathcart, Glasgow.

They found the room was on fire and managed to get out of the house after about 5.20am on Friday.

When police and fire crews arrived, they found that the couple’s wheelie bin had been put outside the kitchen window and set on fire.

The blaze had then spread into the basement of the house and up into the kitchen.

The couple were treated for minor injuries at the scene but did not need hospital treatment.

Detective Constable Marc Kelly, of Strathclyde Police, said: “It is beyond anyone’s understanding why someone would deliberately set fire to an elderly couple’s bin and then place it outside their window.

“Thankfully, the elderly gentleman and his wife have not been injured but obviously they are very, very upset that someone would do this to them and their home.”

He added: “I would appeal to anyone who has any information, particularly the residents of Old Castle Road, to contact police.

“Did you see someone hanging around or acting suspiciously? Did you hear any noise that woke you around 0500 hours on Friday?

“Anyone who has any information which can help trace those responsible should contact Cathcart Police Office on 532 4900.

“Alternatively, you can contact CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555 111, if you prefer to remain anonymous.”

In a second incident over the weekend, a couple discovered a fire at their front door in St Andrews Drive, Pollokshields.

The man, 43, and his 28-year-old partner found the fire at about 4pm on Friday when they became aware of smoke in the hall.

They managed to make their way on to the balcony of the flat and contact emergency services. They were treated in hospital for smoke inhalation before being released.