A reckless firebug set a front door of a house alight while the owner slept inside in Aberdeenshire.
Police are hunting the thug who targeted the property in Milton Wynd, Huntly, at around 3.30am on Saturday.
A man was at home when he became aware of the blaze at the front of his property.
He quickly set about extinguishing the fire and was not injured however the door of the property was badly damaged.
A police probe into the fire raising has been launched and cops are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area in the early hours of July 18.
Constable Ross McDonald of Ellon Police Station said: “Thankfully the man was not injured as a result of this fire and quick action was taken to extinguish it, however it has caused damage to the door of the property.
“Setting fires is extremely dangerous and we are continuing our investigation to trace whoever is responsible for this reckless act.
“I would appeal to anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area of Milton Wynd in the early hours of Saturday morning, or anyone with information to contact us as soon as possible.”
Any information can be passed to Ellon Police Station through 101 quoting reference number CF0160180720.
Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.
