COPS are hunting for a mindless firebug who caused more than £17,000 worth of damage to a Johnstone haulage yard. 

The vandal targeted the WH Malcolm site near Mary Street, in Johnstone, as they torched wooden pallets and part of the building. 

Emergency services raced to tackle the blaze at around 9.50pm on Tuesday night, which fire investigators found had been set on purpose. 

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It's understood the suspect may have entered the yard through a a fence in the quiet industrial area before setting the fire, which caused an estimated £17,500 worth of damage. 

Cops are now sifting through CCTV footage of the scene as they attempt catch the firebug. 

Detective Inspector Ross McDonald, who is leading the investigation, urged anyone with information to come forward.

He told The Gazette: "Detectives are investigating a wilful fire raising incident in the WH Malcolm yard near Mary Street on Tuesday. 

"It has been declared that the fire was set deliberately.

"It is quite a quiet area, but there may have been a dog-walker near it at the time.

"The blaze caused a substantial amount of damage.

"We are currently going through CCTV and I would encourage anyone with information to contact the police."

WH Malcolm chiefs say they are thankful that no one was hurt in the blaze.

Andrew Malcom, the firm's owner, told The Gazette: "We are quite lucky the fire starter never made their way into the actual shed.

"We are thankful to the police and fire service for their quick response.

"It's in the public's and local business interest to catch this person before they do it again.

"We'd ask anyone with information to contact the police."  

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A Scottish Fire and Rescue spokesperson confirmed they had attended the scene on Tuesday night. 

The added: "Operations Control mobilised a number of resources to Mary Street and firefighters extinguished the fire, which had taken hold of a number of wooden pallets. 

"The crew ensure the area was made safe before leaving at 12.09am on Wednesday." 

Anyone with information should phone the police on 101.