Fires at two takeaways may be suspicious

POLICE say they are treating fires at two businesses in West Lothian last night as suspicious. The first broke out at around 12.50am this morning at the Minerva Food Bar in Kingsport Avenue, Howden, with the second at the Grand Central bar in Carmondean at 2.20am. Police say businesses have the same owner.

A police spokesman said: "Fortunately no one was injured following these fires. However, both properties have suffered flame damage.

"With these premises under the same ownership, police are investigating the possibility that these crimes are linked and are appealing to the public for help in identifying those responsible.

"Anyone who remembers seeing any suspicious activity in or around either business or who can provide us with a description of the suspects is asked to contact police immediately."

Anyone with any information can contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or the charity Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.