Police are hunting for an arsonist after a fire broke out at a former nightclub on one of Glasgow’s busiest streets in what investigators are treating as a deliberate attack.
The blaze tore through the former nightclub on Sauchiehall Street, forcing officers to close off several surrounding streets as firefighters tackled the flames. The area has since been reopened to the public after emergency services got the situation under control.
Detectives have confirmed the fire is being treated as wilful, meaning someone deliberately started it. That makes it a serious criminal matter and police are now appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
Sauchiehall Street has a long history as one of Glasgow’s most iconic stretches, packed with bars, restaurants and shops. It has also had its fair share of fire incidents over the years, with the famous Mackintosh Building at the Glasgow School of Art suffering devastating blazes in 2014 and again in 2018 just a short distance away.
The former nightclub building had already been sitting empty, which investigators say can often make such properties a target for vandalism and, in the worst cases, deliberate fires.
Local businesses and residents in the area will no doubt be shaken by the incident. Street closures caused significant disruption in the surrounding area while firefighters worked to bring the blaze under control and make the building safe.
Police Scotland have launched a full investigation and are urging anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen something suspicious to get in touch. Even small details could prove crucial in tracking down whoever is responsible.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland directly or pass details on through Crimestoppers anonymously.