The owners of a Lanarkshire restaurant destroyed in a deliberate fire on Thursday have posted heartbreaking photographs of their devastated business.
San Vincenzo restaurant in Bothwell was targeted for the third time in four months by vandals who drove a red Vauxhall Corsa before setting it on fire.
Police are probing the incident as wilful fire raising.
The owners have now posted a series of photographs on the Italian restaurant's official Facebook page which show the extent of devastation inside the restaurant.
Some of the furniture used to decorate the restaurant had been brought from Italy and pictures show the tasteful decorations now destroyed or reduced to ashes.
The restaurant also posted a heartwrenching message saying they had 'failed' and that 'the beast was greater than us'.
But they also took time to thank to their customers and those that have supported them following the fire.
The post read: "We thank you for all your amazing support. To say we are devastated is an understatement. So, so many comments impossible to answer.
"We are not sure what the path forward holds, normal family with a vision of fine Italian home made food bread pasta pizza etc.
"Furniture from all over Italy with such great vision, minding our own business concentrating on quality quality quality ... maybe our photos not the best but original.
'What can we say, we failed. The beast was greater than us. Reality kicked home."
Customers were quick to respond, saying that San Vincenzo should re-open.
Linda McCulloch said: "So so sad, I'm sure you could open somewhere else and be even more successful...Wishing you all the very best for the future."
Joanne Crawford said: "Everyone is behind you and will continue to support you. It was the best restaurant in Bothwell and I hope to enjoy your delicious food again."
Police are appealing for witnesses to the fire to come forward.
A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: "Police in Lanarkshire are appealing for witnesses following a report of wilful fire-raising and vandalism at a restaurant in Bothwell.
"The incident was reported around 1am on Thursday, October 3, 2019.
"A vehicle caused damage to the rear of the San Vincenzo restaurant on Main Street and a fire had to be extinguished."
