Police and fire chiefs have thanked the Musselburgh public for their assistance during the recent investigation into a spate of fires. A man has now been charged by police.
Chief Inspector Matt Paden, Local Area Commander for East Lothian said: “Firstly I would like to thank the public of Musselburgh for their assistance in this investigation. Their support has proved vital in bringing this complex investigation to a swift resolution.
“I would also like to reassure the local community that we will continue with high visibility patrols and engagement in the area over the coming number of days.
“Fire-raising is clearly dangerous and will not be tolerated and this is why we have committed dedicated resources from local and national policing units in support of this investigation.
“From an early stage we have been working closely with our partners from Scottish Fire and Rescue and East Lothian Council’s Safer Communities Team. I would like to take the opportunity to thank all the staff involved with these incidents for their efforts and dedication.”
Area Manager David Farries, Local Senior Officer for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “Fire-raising incidents have a significant impact on communities. People’s lives are put at risk, property damaged and resources diverted away from other potentially more serious incidents. I find this completely unacceptable.
“We will continue to work alongside our partners in East Lothian to provide reassurance and fire safety advice and echo Police Scotland’s gratitude to the community for their co-operation.
“Free home fire safety visits can be arranged by calling 0800 073 1999, texting ‘FIRE’ to 80800 or filling in an online form at www.firescotland.gov.uk http://www.firescotland.gov.uk
An East Lothian Council spokesperson added: “East Lothian Council is continuing to support Police Scotland and is contributing resources to the ongoing multi-agency efforts aimed at preventing any further incidents.
“Community wardens will be undertaking additional high-visibility foot and vehicle patrols in and around Musselburgh from today”.
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
