A councillor who has hit out against organised crime has been targeted in terrifying firebomb attack for the THIRD time in three years.
Police are now appealing for anyone with CCTV or dash cam footage to come forward following the latest blaze at the home of Tory councillor Graeme Campbell on Saturday, at around 12.20am.
Two cars and were set alight at the councillor's home in Strathaven, in what police have confirmed was a deliberate attack. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident.
The fire spread to Mr Campbell's home and both it and the cars have sustained significant damage - with two BMW vehicles burnt-out.
It comes after his car was blown up in 2019 in a terrifying firebomb attack, believed to be the work of local crime lords.
He said at the time he and wife, Fiona, were "lucky to be alive".
Mr Campbell, who represents Avondale and Stonehouse, previously spoke out against planning violations in the area.
Then, just 11 months ago, the crusading councillor's home was targeted in an acid attack which resulted in two BMW cars suffering £20,000 worth of damage.
That saw him vow to step back from public life, saying he "feared for his family" due to the terror campaign against him.
He quit politics but returned to his role last year saying he would not take part in planning rows.
Mr Campbell has not spoken publicly about the latest attack but a family friend told our sister title, the Sunday Mail: “Graeme and Fiona are devastated. They were asleep in bed and could easily have died this time.
“They feel their lives are in immediate danger. They were only alerted to the blaze once it was beyond putting out, as fire from the cars had spread up the garage door and into the home. The bedroom they were in has collapsed into the garage space and a wet room has been destroyed.”
Enquiries so far have established a male in dark clothing was seen in the area around the time the fire started.
Detective Chief Inspector Martin McGhee told Lanarkshire Live: “I am appealing to anyone who may have been in the area around the time of the incident. Did you notice anything suspicious or see anyone acting oddly.
"I would ask any motorists or taxi-drivers with dash cam devices to check their footage as the device may have captured images which could assist our investigation. Any small piece of information could assist us in identifying who is responsible for this attack.”
South Lanarkshire Council Leader, the SNP's John Ross, Tweeted at the weekend: "Absolutely condemn this attack or any attack on politicians of any party. This attack could have caused loss of life and my deepest sympathies go to Graeme and his family. I hope those responsible are quickly apprehended."
A spokesman for South Lanarkshire Council said: “This further attack on the home of an elected member is sickening and deplorable. We will continue to offer Councillor Campbell our complete support and we will, of course, assist the police investigation in any way we can.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 0090 of 19 June, 2021. Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.
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