BUSINESS owners have been left devastated after thugs tried to set their premises alight.

Fire crews attended at Arkleston Road, Paisley, in the early hours of this morning after the alarm was raised following a small blaze.

The fire, at Bites 'n' Pieces café and David Cairney Barbering, was extinguished safely.

However, Police Scotland is treating the fire as suspicious. 

The Gazette:

David Cairney, owner of David Cairney Barbering, said: “I’m absolutely gutted that someone would try and damage or vandalise a small business, especially during a pandemic in which small businesses have been affected the most.

"I especially feel sorry for the owner of the café, who has been very unwell recently, and has just found out that her business has been set on fire.

"I put my faith in the police and the public to find the person who has done this and bring them to justice."

The damage to the café means a new front door and shutters will have to be purchased, meanwhile, there has been minor damage to the barber shop.

Officers are now appealing for any information following the wilful fire raising. 

The Gazette:

A Police Scotland spokesman said: "Officers are treating a fire at Arkleston Road in Paisley as suspicious. 

"The fire was reported about 12.35am this morning, Monday, May 3, and was extinguished by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. 

"Nobody was injured in the incident. 

"Anyone who may have been in the area around this time and who may have seen or heard anything suspicious is asked to call police on the 101 number, quoting the reference 0100 of May 3."

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman added: “We were alerted at 12.20am on Monday, May 3 to reports of a building on fire on Arkleston Road, Paisley.

“Operations Control mobilised two appliances to the scene.

“Firefighters extinguished a small fire affecting the front of a commercial property.

“Crews left after ensuring the area was made safe and there were no reported casualties.”