DETECTIVES are appealing for information after a fire was deliberately started at a car dealership in Motherwell - causing almost £1million worth of damage.

Around 11.40pm yesterday police were called to a report of a fire at Lookers garage in Windmillhill Street.

Emergency services attended and 17 vehicles were found to be extensively damaged.

The damage caused is estimated to be worth around £850,000.

Following a joint investigation between police and fire services, the incident has been confirmed as wilful.

CCTV enquiries have revealed that a man was seen climbing the perimeter fence and starting a fire in the forecourt.

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Detective Inspector Kenny Dalrymple from Wishaw CID said: “Extensive enquiries are underway to establish the full circumstances surrounding this reckless crime and it is absolutely vital that anyone with information comes forward.

“We know that the suspect climbed the fence to start the fire and I would appeal to anyone who was in the vicinity of the garage around the time of the incident and may have noticed someone acting suspiciously to get in touch.

“I would particularly appeal to any motorists with dashcams who were driving along Windmill Street between 11.30pm and 11.50pm to contact police as you may have captured footage which could be important to our investigation.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Wishaw CID via 101, quoting incident number 4577.

"Alternatively you can call CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555 111 where details can be given in confidence.”