Two firebomb suspects traced and ruled out

TWO men suspected of being involved in the firebombing of a police forensic lab after being spotted at a nearby petrol station just minutes before the attack have been traced and eliminated from the investigation.

Detectives released descriptions of the men who visited the Liberton service station on Howdenhall Road shortly before midnight on 17 February.

Around 20 minutes later, two rooms at the Scottish Police Services Authority (SPSA) laboratory were ablaze after firebombs were thrown inside.

But the two men have been traced by officers and it has been established they were not connected to the fireraising incident.

A police spokesman said: "Lothian and Borders Police can confirm that the two men known to have been at the Liberton petrol station prior to the fire have come forward and have since been eliminated from our inquiries.

"We continue to appeal for anyone who may have seen a dark-coloured vehicle in St Katherine's Brae around the time of the fire or who has information that can assist with our inquiries to contact police immediately."

A witness saw a hooded fireraiser throw petrol bombs through the windows of the lab before running towards St Katherine's Brae.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0131-311 3131, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.