A GANG of youths are being hunted by police after bins were set alight at a block of flats in Sanquhar.

The fire – which destroyed two large industrial bins and damaged a window – was discovered on Stevenson Court at around 8pm on Thursday night, June 21.

Police Scotland are now keen to speak with a group of four boys, aged 12 to 13, who were seen loitering around the bins shortly before the fire.

Constable Scott Graham based at Sanquhar said: “This could easily have been much more serious had the fire not been quickly extinguished by the fire services. The fire had destroyed the bins but also damaged a window and melted the air vents on the block of flats.”

A spokeswoman for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said: “SFRS was alerted at 8pm on Thursday to reports of a bin fire in Sanquhar. Operation control mobilised one fire engine to Lovedale Sanquhar where firefighters extinguished the fire. Crews left the scene at 8.32pm after ensuring the area was made safe.”

The four boys are described as:

1- Tall, short dark hair wearing black top and bottoms;

2- Thin build short fair hair wearing black top and bottoms;

3- Short dark hair wearing a red top and black bottoms and;

4- Short, stocky build, short dark hair wearing a grey and black jacket.

Contact Police at Sanquhar Station on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 with information.