THE detective leading the investigation into a spate of petrol bomb attacks in Greenock which have been described by police as 'atrocious' has declined to speak about them to the Telegraph.

We asked Police Scotland media managers for an interview with Superintendent Gerry McBride over the progress of the 'Operation Tell' inquiry into the incidents which have left one man dead and a woman badly burned and caused serious public concern.

But we were told that they were 'unable to facilitate' our request.

Instead, a six-line prepared statement was issued which stressed that 'every effort' was being made to find the fire bombers.

A number of homes have been wrecked in the spree of violence which began more than a month ago.

It's believed to be the product of a feud between criminal parties known to police.

Crimestoppers last week put up a reward of £10,000 in return for information leading to the culprits but no arrests have been made.

Petrol bomber George Miller died in the first attack after accidentally setting himself alight behind a house on Union Street.

A flat on Wellington Street — with a young girl inside — was targeted with Molotov cocktails two days later.

Another petrol bombing occurred at a house on Cumberland Road in Larkfield on September 19 but the burning missile failed to smash a window.

A firestarter deliberately torched a property at Kincaid Court on September 28 and residents had to be evacuated from the building.

The Police Scotland statement, attributed to Inverclyde area commander Chief Inspector Debbie Reilly, said: "Firstly, I would like to thank the community of Inverclyde for their ongoing support during what has been a challenging and troubling time.

"Every effort continues to be put into investigating and ultimately finding those responsible for these atrocious attacks.

"That is why we welcome the reward of up to £10,000 that is now being offered by Crimestoppers for any information which leads to the arrest and conviction of whoever is behind these attacks.

"Crimestoppers is a charity which is completely independent of the police and allows you to provide information about a crime whilst maintaining your anonymity."

The statement continued: "We do believe there are those in the community who know or have suspicions about who is responsible for these wilful fire-raisings and it is our hope that this appeal from Crimestoppers, along with the reward, might help us to get more information.

"Finally, I would like to also once again reassure the wider community that there is still an increased police presence in the area, and specialist units remain in place to both tackle this problem and prevent any further incidents occurring."

Anyone with information about the petrol bomb attacks can report it using a dedicated email address for the inquiry: OperationTell@scotland.pnn.police.uk