A number of houses were forced to evacuate after a deliberate fire sparked fears of a gas leak.

Police raced to Hawthorn Drive in Wishaw at around 5.15am on Saturday to reports of bins on fire at the side of a house.

Residents living nearby were asked to leave their homes after the fire caused extensive damage to the side of a house and gas pipes.

Officers escorted people outside as a precautionary measure for a short period of time.

But a gas company confirmed there was no risk of a gas leak.

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Police are now appealing for witnesses to determine the cause of the blaze.

Detective Constable Jacqui McCann at Wishaw CID said: “Fortunately no-one was injured as a result of this reckless act however a number of people had to leave their homes in the early hours which must have been distressing for them.

“I appeal to anyone who was in the vicinity of Hawthorn Drive around 5 am on Saturday 12 October 2019 and may have seen a person or persons or any vehicles acting suspiciously to contact police immediately.

“Anyone with information should contact Wishaw CID via telephone number 101 quoting incident number 0877 of 12 October 2019.”

Alternatively, calls can be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained.