Detectives are hunting a fire raising thug who targeted householders in Elderslie.
The culprit struck on Saturday evening at around 10.10 pm by deliberately starting a fire at a common close in the town’s Main Street.
A householder who smelt smoke contacted the fire service to report the blaze.
And residents were forced to remain indoors because the fire blocked their exit from their homes.
However the fire service were quickly on the scene to extinguish the blaze.
No one was injured in the fire but it caused extensive damage to the common close.
CID in Paisley are treating it as an incident of deliberate fire raising and have launched an appeal for witnesses.
Detective Constable Ashleigh Halbert, leading the investigation, is urging anyone with information to come forward and contact police.
She said: “There was a fire in a close in Main Street, Elderslie.
“No one was injured but the fire appears to have been started deliberately.
“All residents are safe and well. We are appealing for witnesses to come forward and contact police.”
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said they attended the blaze at around 10.10pm which was put out, and confirmed the matter is in the hands of the police.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police on their 101 non emergency contact number.
Or alternatively they can ring CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.
