Attempted murder: Fife teenager seriously injured in double arson attacks

Two shocking fire-raising incident within minutes of each other in Glenrothes last night are being treated as attempted murder.

A 16-year-old youth sustained serious injuries in one of the fires and is in hospital.

The first incident happened at around 11.30pm at a property in Alexander Road.

The second fire was reported just ten minutes later in Adrian Road. There were people in both homes at the time the fires were started.

The fire service attended and both blazes were brought under control.

A 16-year-old youth from the property at Adrian Road sustained serious injuries and was taken to Edinburgh Royal Hospital for Sick Children for treatment.

Detective Chief Inspector Scott Cunningham of the CID, Fife Division said, “This incident is being treated as attempted murder and showed a blatant disregard for the safety of a number of people and children within the local community.

“There is a significant resource from local and national policing dedicated to this investigation and we are progressing several positive lines of enquiry.

“There is absolutely no doubt that this fire could have potentially been fatal as there were several people within both properties at the time.

“I would urge anyone who was in either the Adrian Road or Alexander Road area about 11.30pm yesterday, and saw anything suspicious, to get in touch with us as soon as possible and we are particularly interested in speaking to residents who have private CCTV.”

Community Inspector Joanne McEwan of Glenrothes Police Station said, “Incidents such as this will of course cause concern within the local community but I would urge people not to be alarmed.

“Residents will notice local officers in the area providing a visible presence over the coming days to support the community and provide reassurance.

“I would urge local people to speak to officers should they have any concerns or information that may be relevant to this incident.”