Soccer

Police investigate ‘deliberate’ fire at home of Celtic chief executive

Peter Lawwell’s family ‘extremely shaken’ after fleeing early morning blaze

A file image of Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell who had to flee his home with his family after a fire this morning. Photograph: PA
A file image of Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell who had to flee his home with his family after a fire this morning. Photograph: PA
Wed May 19 2021 - 13:10

Police are treating a fire at the home of Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell as deliberate, with a man spotted on CCTV pouring accelerant on cars in the garage.

Firefighters were called to the fire on Peel Road in Thorntonhall, South Lanarkshire, at about 1am on Wednesday which forced Mr Lawwell and his family to flee their home.

Celtic said the family are “extremely shaken and shocked” by the blaze, which caused “significant damage”, but they are all safe.

Eight fire engines were sent to the scene to extinguish the blaze, but some crews were still at the scene at 7am with police road closures in place.

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A joint investigation by Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has found three vehicles were deliberately set alight, which also resulted in extensive damage to the garage.

Detectives are treating the fire as deliberate after CCTV showed a man pouring an accelerant on the vehicles. The male suspect is described as around 5ft 10in and of slim build. He was wearing black joggers, a black hooded jumper with the hood up, black trainers and a face mask. A silver or grey hatchback car was also seen near the house at the time of the fire. Detective Inspector Susie Cairns said: “This was a completely reckless act which destroyed three cars and caused significant damage to the property’s garage.

“The consequences could have been so much worse but thankfully nobody was injured during this incident.”

A Celtic spokesman said: “We can confirm that significant damage has been caused to Peter Lawwell’s house and vehicles there, following an explosion and fire early this morning, forcing the family to leave the property.

“Clearly, Peter’s family are extremely shaken and shocked by these terrible events, but thankfully all are safe.

“We understand that Police Scotland are currently undertaking a criminal investigation.

“Peter and his family will of course receive the full support and care of everyone at the club.”