A manhunt has been launched after a thug tried to set a Scots house on fire while a family slept inside.
The horror incident happened in Auchinleck on Beechwood Avenue at 3am on Tuesday.
The yob attempted to torch the property and a vehicle but the blaze did not spread avoiding 'disastrous consequences'.
Police are now desperately searching to find the arsonist claiming it is 'vital' they are found soon.
Officers are urging anyone with information to come forward and for locals to check dashcam footage.
Detective Constable Steven Grey from Kilmarnock CID said: “This was a deliberate attempt to set fire to a home, where there was a family asleep within, and there could have been disastrous consequences had it properly taken hold.
“It is vital the despicable individual responsible is caught and I would appeal to anyone with information to come forward.
“If you were in the area in the early hours of Tuesday morning, and saw anything at all suspicious, please get in touch.
"I would also urge any drivers with dash-cams who were on the road at the time to check their footage in case they have captured anything which could be of significance.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland through 101, quoting incident number 0342 of Tuesday, 15 June, 2021. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
