A family was threatened in their own home in Wishaw after three thugs broke in on Friday. 

Three men, wearing balaclavas and dark clothing, broke into the home in Coltness on Innerleithen Drive around 2.45am. 

The family consisting of a man, 32, a woman, 29, and 5-year-old child were threatened with weapons. 

The thugs proceeded to spray accelerant throughout their home which could have cost lives if it had been ignited. 

Nobody was injured in the incident, but the three suspects also vandalised the family's Audi parked outside the home. 

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The men made off in a charcoal grey Audi which had been waiting outdoors.

It was later found discarded a short distance away on Murdostoun North and South Road, Cleland. 

Officers are appealing for anyone with information to come forward. 

Detective Sergeant Graham McAdam, Lanarkshire CID, said: “Thankfully the family were unhurt during this incident but if the accelerant had been ignited, lives could have been lost.

“Officers are in the area today and checking CCTV as well as speaking to residents but we are also keen to hear from anyone who has any details about this attack that will assist our investigation.

“The Audi car used by the attackers has since been found burnt out a short distance away on Murdostoun North and South Road, Cleland.

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"If you were in the area and have dash-cam footage then we would ask that you contact police as soon as possible.

“Any information, no matter how small you think it is, could assist our investigation so please call officers at Wishaw Police Office via 101 quoting reference number 0469 of 29 May. Alternatively, if you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."