An area at a Lanarkshire polling station was set on fire last week as residents voted in the local council elections.
Fire crews raced to the scene on Hillhouse Road in Hamilton where the blaze had spread to trees and wooden pallets.
Smoke could be seen billowing from the targeted area which was right beside St Ninian's Church and Hillhouse Civic Centre in the town.
Police have since confirmed another fire at a nearby area in Hamilton was also reported earlier that day (May 5) at around 4.15pm.
Nobody was injured from the incident and events at the polling station were not disrupted, remaining open for people to vote.
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman told Lanarkshire Live : “We were alerted at 8.28pm on Thursday, May 5 to reports of a fire in the open near to Hillhouse Road, Hamilton.
“Operations control mobilised two fire appliances and firefighters extinguished a fire affecting trees and pallets.
“There were no reported casualties and crews left after ensuring the area was made safe.”
Meanwhile Central Scotland MSP Monica Lennon is calling out those responsible for the attack as she fears the fire could have been a lot worse.
She told us : “Any deliberate fire-raising in our communities is simply unacceptable and those responsible must face consequences.
“I was alarmed to witness a fire on Thursday night in close proximity to St Ninian’s Church and Hillhouse Civic Centre, and even more shocked to hear eye-witnesses say it was the second fire incident of the day.
“Thanks to the swift action of the fire service, people and property were kept safe on this occasion, however, this could have been much more serious."
Ms Lennon says she will work with community leaders going forward to help keep affected local areas safe.
She added: “Worryingly, local residents say these are not isolated incidents and that a pattern of behaviour has developed in recent weeks.
“I have asked South Lanarkshire Council, Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue for a full report on what is happening and what action is being taken to reassure the local community.
"I will work with local councillors and residents to make community safety a priority.
“It was a relief that the Hillhouse polling station did not need to close.
“My thanks go to the firefighters who attended on the night and ensured the safety of everyone at the scene.”
Police Scotland has confirmed two fires were reported on Thursday.
A spokesperson for the force said: “Police in Hamilton were made aware of two small fires in the Hillhouse Road area, which were reported around 4.15pm and 9.40pm on Thursday, 5 May.
"No complaints were made.”
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