A ferocious blaze at a Kilmarnock shop this morning was deliberate, police have said tonight.
Detectives have launched an investigation into the inferno that ripped through Heather Store just before 6am.
Holehouse Road was shut down to allow firefighters to tackle the flames.
Cops have confirmed that no one was injured in the blaze and that the shop was empty.
The authorities have also revealed that "significant" damage was caused to the store.
Detective constable Kevin Simpson of Kilmarnock Police Station said: “We are carrying out enquiries into this fire, which we are treating as having been started deliberately.
“I would urge anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity around the area or who has any other information to come forward.
“We would also be keen to speak to anyone who may have dashcam or private CCTV from the area early on Friday morning.
“Anyone who can help is asked to call 101, quoting reference 0434 of 26 November, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 5.12am on Friday, November 26, to reports of a fire affecting commercial premises in Holehouse Road, Kilmarnock.
“Operations control immediately mobilised three fire engines to the location and firefighters extinguished the fire.
“One crew remains at the scene ensuring the area is made safe.”
Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here
