A masked thug set fire to a flat in Ayrshire in a targeted attack.
Fire crews were called to Morris Street in Largs during the early hours of Friday morning after reports of a blaze.
A man was spotted approaching the property carrying a bright green Jerry can and a yellow hose at 2am.
He is described as walking with a limp, in his forties with a flushed red appearance.
He was seen wearing a green parka style jacket with dark jeans, dark trainers, a blue beanie hat and dark scarf partially covering his face.
No one was reported to have been injured in the blaze.
Officers are now investigating the incident and are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
Police Scotland Detective Constable Scott Hendry, of Saltcoats CID, said: “We're appealing to anyone who saw the man or has doorbell or home CCTV footage showing suspicious behaviour to contact us.
"The man would have been very distinctive given what he was carrying. Thankfully nobody was injured but the act was reckless and the outcome could've been a lot worse."
“Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting incident number 0315 of April 24 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
