A TEENAGER has been charged by police after allegedly starting a fire in a Renfrew park.

The 15-year-old suspect and his friends were approached by plain-clothes officers in Robertson Park at around 7.30pm on Thursday after they reportedly spotted him setting a bin alight.

Police said the group of youths attempted to flee the scene but the suspect was caught after a short chase.

He was then taken home and charged with wilful fireraising.

Inspector Damian Kane, head of community policing for Johnstone, Renfrew and the surrounding villages, said officers at the scene extinguished the bin fire.

He added: "Local officers are continuing to carry out uniform and plain-clothes patrols in Robertson Park, Renfrew, due to ongoing reports of anti-social behaviour.

"Though some view a bin being set on fire by youths as a minor matter, it often results in the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service being needlessly deployed, which keeps them from their key role to respond to house fires and serious road accidents.

"This is in addition to the obvious risk caused by setting fires near to children and families who use the park, as well as the cost of repairs.

"No leniency will be shown for any such reckless conduct."

Residents in the area are being urged to immediately report any anti-social behaviour they witness by calling police on 101, so that swift action can be taken.