Police are investigating a deliberate fire that broke out in a fourth-floor flat of a housing association tenement in Stonyhurst Street, Possilpark, Glasgow, on Sunday at approximately 16:50. The building, which has been derelict for 20 years, had received £3m in government investment to be renovated as affordable homes.
Glasgow MSP Paul Sweeney claimed there was evidence the blaze was started following online 'disinformation' suggesting the flats would be used for asylum seekers. NG Homes, the owner, confirmed these were false rumours, stating the properties would provide 'much-needed' homes for people on its existing housing list, allocated in line with its policy and Scottish housing legislation.
First Minister John Swinney stated that anyone involved in setting the building on fire would be apprehended, describing such actions as 'completely and utterly unacceptable'. Glasgow City Council's convener for housing and development, Ruairi Kelly, suggested that if it was arson, it would only extend the wait for local people needing homes.
Police Scotland's Det Insp Neil Martin urged anyone who saw anything suspicious to come forward, noting that fortunately no one was injured, but the 'reckless activity' caused serious disruption. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service sent six fire engines and specialist resources to the scene, with the last appliance leaving on Monday shortly before 14:00.