The chief executive of Celtic football club, Peter Lawwell, and his family were left “extremely shaken and shocked” after fleeing an explosion and fire at their home.
Police Scotland is treating the fire as deliberate after CCTV showed a man pouring an accelerant on three vehicles outside Lawwell’s property in Thorntonhall, South Lanarkshire, at about 1am on Wednesday. The blaze spread to the detached two-storey house.
While no one was injured, it has been reported that Lawwell’s daughter and four-month-old granddaughter were inside accommodation above the garage when the fire broke out.
The male suspect is described as around 5ft 10in tall and of slim build. He was wearing black joggers, a black hooded jumper with the hood up, black trainers and a face mask. A silver or grey hatchback car was also seen near to the house at the time of the fire.
DI Susie Cairns said: “This was a completely reckless act which destroyed three cars and caused significant damage to the property’s garage. The consequences could have been so much worse but thankfully nobody was injured during this incident.
“I am appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time that saw a man or car matching this description or saw any unusual activity to please come forward.”
A Celtic spokesperson said: “We can confirm that significant damage has been caused to Peter Lawwell’s house and vehicles there, following an explosion and fire early this morning, forcing the family to leave the property.”
“Clearly, Peter’s family are extremely shaken and shocked by these terrible events, but thankfully all are safe.”
Lawwell is due to retire at the end of June after 17 years at the club.
