Appeal for information over ‘targeted attacks’ which are believed to be linked

Police are seeking information after a number of “targeted attacks” that are believed to be connected, including serious assault and wilful fire-raisings in the Glasgow area.

Recent attacks include an assault on a woman, 72, and a boy, 12, at a property in Egilsay Crescent, Milton, Glasgow.

Two males forced their way into the building at about 12.10am on Saturday, assaulting the pair and leaving them with what police described as significant injuries.

They were taken to hospital for treatment and inquiries into tracing those responsible are ongoing.

To attack an elderly lady and a child is simply cowardly - no one should be made to feel unsafe in their own home

The suspects who carried out the assault are described as two teenage males who were wearing dark clothing and balaclavas.

A dark, large, family-style or SUV-type car was seen in the area around the time of the incident in Egilsay Crescent and officers are keen speak to anyone who may have seen the vehicle.

On Monday at about 12.50am, officers received reports of wilful fires at two properties in Bishopbriggs, East Dunbartonshire.

Emergency services attended both fires at Colston Drive and John Marshall Drive, but nobody was injured.

Officers have been knocking on nearby residents’ doors for information and have been scanning through CCTV footage to identify the culprits.

The assault and fire-raisings are being treated as potentially linked to a number of alleged gang-related incidents in the east and west of Scotland.

Detective Chief Superintendent David Ferry of Police Scotland’s specialist crime division, said: “While we believe these to be targeted attacks, I want to make it clear this violence will not be tolerated and we are following a number of lines of inquiry.

“To attack an elderly lady and a child is simply cowardly – no one should be made to feel unsafe in their own home.

“We are aware that videos of some of these fires have been posted online. The publicising and glamorising these despicable and dangerous acts is abhorrent.

“I would appeal for anyone who knows who is responsible to come forward, even anonymously and bring this behaviour to an end.”

He added: “We are using every resource at our disposal to trace those responsible for this despicable act as quickly as possible.

“We understand these incidents will be concerning for the local community but please be assured we will bring those involved to justice.

“I would urge anyone with information about any of these incidents to please get in touch.

“Plain-clothed and uniform officers will remain in the areas while our investigations continue. Anyone with any concerns, or any information, can approach these officers.”

Officers have asked anyone with information or footage in relation to the incidents to come forward.

Mr Ferry said: “A number of arrests have already been made in connection with incidents in the east and arrests will continue over the coming days.

“If you have any information about any of these incidents, please come forward and contact us.”

Other recent wilful fire-raisings in Glasgow and the west took place at properties on Cortmalaw Gardens, Gala Street and Ashgill Road, all Glasgow; Milton Road, Kirkintilloch; Meadow Court, Stepps; and at a premises on Wellington Road, Bishopbriggs.

All of the incidents took place within a week of each other (April 3-8) and police are carrying out extensive inquiries into them.

A number of arrests have also been made in the east of Scotland and a number of warrants have been executed in Edinburgh.

Weapons related to the investigation have been seized, alongside drugs and cash.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 0562 of Friday March 21.

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.