POLICE have promised to ramp up patrols after a "group of youths" set fires and threatened emergency crews. 

Officers have vowed to take action following a string of incidents in Hamilton in recent weeks. 

Fire crews were subjected to abuse after extinguishing a blaze in a wooded area near to Backmuir Road and Abbotsford Road in the town. 

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A statement from officers read: "We have received several reports recently regarding groups of youths intentionally setting fires within the wooded area near to Backmuir Road and Abbotsford Road, Hamilton.

"The Scottish Fire Service have had to attend to extinguish these fires and the youths involved have been hostile towards the fire service.

Glasgow Times:

"The fire service provide an essential service and their job can be extremely dangerous and difficult.

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"We would like to remind the public of the dangers of setting fires.

"Aside from the obvious issue of diverting the fire service from other incidents, these fires can quickly and unpredictably spread dangerously out of control.

"We will be providing additional patrols in the relevant areas and will not tolerate persons being abusive towards the fire service personnel." 

The Glasgow Times has contacted the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service for comment. 

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101.