Suspected fire-raising of boat on Union Canal

Police are appealing for witnesses following a suspected fire-raising incident on the Union Canal which was discovered  around 1:40am on Saturday when police and fire crews were alerted to a fire on a canal boat moored near Lower Gilmore Place and Rope Walk.

The owner was not onboard at the time however the vessel sustained major damage and can no longer be used in the water.

The blaze is currently being treated as suspicious and the fire service has launched an investigation in order to establish the cause of this incident.

Police are now asking anyone who was in the area around the time of the fire to get in touch.

PC Stewart Pringle said: “Thankfully on this occasion the occupant was not onboard when the fire took hold however many personal belongings have been destroyed.

“This has had a devastating impact on the owner and I am keen to hear from anyone who was in the Lower Gilmore Place and Rope Walk area around the time of this incident and who remembers hearing or seeing anything suspicious.”

Those with information that can assist police with their investigation are asked to call 101 or, alternatively the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.