Three young thugs set a car alight in the early hours of Saturday in Lanarkshire. 

The suspects, described as white and aged between 16 and 20, were seen by the Seat Leon around 3.40am in Carluke.

But officers believe it was an "opportunist crime" as the youths gained access to the car parked in Gair Crescent. 

READ MORE: East Kilbride: Three cars set on fire in spate of 'reckless' wilful fire raisings

Officers are appealing for witnesses to the incident. 

Detective Sergeant Jim Williamson, Wishaw CID, said:"The motive for this has still to be established, however, from our enquiries so far, we believe that it is more of an opportunist crime as the youths seen on CCTV at the car gain access, rummage about and then set it alight rather than do that at the outset.

"However, whatever the reason, we need to catch those responsible.

"We are carrying out enquiries in the area but are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen the youths in the area, or who may have CCTV or dash-cam footage from the street, to get in touch with officers."

Anyone with information should contact 1010 and cite reference number 0538 of October 17. 

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously at 0800 555 111.