Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Matt Bryan

Police launch appeal over attempted petrol bomb attack at Lanarkshire café

Police are hunting for a man who barged into a Lanarkshire café and tried to set it alight with petrol.

We told you yesterday how Rocco's Café in Hamilton was the target of the suspected petrol bomb attack.

The incident left staff shaken are cops remained on the scene searching for the culprit.

The man, who was dressed in all black with a mask covering his face, fled the area on Brandon Street after being disturbed by staff and passing police officers.

It happened at around 12.30pm and caused Rocco's to close for the day, and it remains closed today.

The suspect threw the liquid, believed to be petrol, on to the floor of the café.

He later ran off towards Strathmore Road near the council buildings then out of sight of officers.

No one was injured as a result of the incident, however, staff have been left upset by what happened.

(Hamilton Advertiser)

DI Jamie Campbell told Lanarkshire Live today: “Thankfully no one was hurt by this attack but if he had managed to light the accelerant then this could have caused significant harm to the staff and damage to the building.

“Although no motive has been established for this attack, we believe that, for whatever reason, the café was the intended target.

“The suspect was around 6ft tall, of slim build, fair hair and was seen carrying a petrol can.

“We have been checking CCTV and speaking to those in the area at the time and would further appeal to any motorists with dash-cams who may have been in the area between 12.00 and 12.40.

"They may have captured footage that may assist officers with their enquiries.

“We’d also like to hear from anyone who may have seen the man either before or afterwards. It’s possible he had been hanging about the area prior to the attack on the café."

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101.

Information can be left anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Meanwhile, Rocco's thanked locals for their messages of support today, but the cafe says it needs to remain closed due to the damage caused from yesterday's attack.

They posted: "Good Morning! Roccos will unfortunately be closed until the damage to the shop has been repaired. Thank you to everyone who messaged asking for myself and the girls it’s appreciated.

"Counting blessings and also counting down the days till we can get those doors back opened and feed you wonderful humans again! Updates will be posted daily. Thanks, Team Roccos."

Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.

And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head on over and give us a like and share!

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.