A fireraising attack on a Lochgelly flat has left neighbours in a state of alarm.
In the early hours of Monday a property in Timmons Park was targeted.
It is understood nobody was injured butt one local resident described the incident as “potentially life-threatening”.
He said: “Needless to say the incident has caused a lot of alarm for folk around here.”
The resident added: “The emergency services swiftly responded, and must be thanked.”
Police Scotland confirmed the fire had been started deliberately. However, the force has also reassured the public that it appeared to be an isolated incident.
Local officers are trying to trace two men in connection with the blaze and have appealed for anyone with information to get in touch.
The entrance to the flat was blackened by smoke and there was also charred debris outside the property.
There were reports a petrol bomb was used but The Courier understands this was not the case.
One eyewitness described seeing a black Vauxhall Corsa pull up outside the two storey block.
A spokeswoman for Police Scotland said: “Police in Fife were called to a premises on Timmons Park in Lochgelly around 3.25am on Monday November 6 following a report of a fire.
“The incident is being treated as wilful fireraising and is currently believed to be isolated. Officers are eager to trace two men seen leaving the scene in a small dark car and anyone with information is urged to contact Dunfermline CID via 101, quoting incident number 0339 of November 6, or report this anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Fife Council confirmed the flat was a local authority property. Staff from the council’s building services were at the scene yesterday to inspect the damage and assess what repairs would be required.
The council has boarded up the front door to secure the flat.
Three fire appliances were sent to the scene after the alarm was raised. A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “We were alerted at 3.20am on Monday, November 6 to reports of a fire within a first floor flat in Timmons Park, Lochgelly.
“Operations Control mobilised three appliances to the scene and firefighters wearing breathing apparatus extinguished the fire using high pressure hoses.
“Crews left the scene after ensuring the area was made safe.”
