Fears have been raised that a taxi war has broken out after two mini-cab vehicles torched in a shocking arson attack Detectives hunting culprits after same owner believed to have been targeted twice
Fears have been raised that a taxi war has broken out after two mini-cab vehicles were torched in a shocking arson attack.
The Wishaw Press have learned this is the second time the owner of the two taxis – who is currently on a mercy mission in Australia after going to visit a friend dying of cancer – has been targeted.
Detectives are now hunting the culprits after the cabs were set on fire in the early hours of last Thursday in Laggan Path, Shotts.
A third vehicle, a female resident’s Volkswagen Golf, was also engulfed in the fireball.
The blaze follows a similar attack on a taxi business in Dyfrig Street last July when two taxis were also burned out.
Social media was flooded with posts about the recent fire-raising incidents. One message said: “Very sad that people are so pathetic they can’t see the need for competition in business, this is what’s keeping the country going.
“My suggestion is stop using all taxis until they are found out.
“Twice in a year in a town the size of Shotts? Someone must know who these people are.”
A source close to the mini-cab industry in the area said: “I think there is some kind of taxi vendetta going on.
“I believe this is the second time that this particular owner has had his taxi set on fire – it’s quite worrying.”
He added: “Shotts is a disaster area at the moment – it’s sad what is happening.”
The source also hit out at the lack of policing in the town, saying: “I haven’t seen police on foot here for at least six weeks.
“You see a couple of panda cars but there should be a bigger police presence in the village.
“If there is an incident here, by the time police arrive from Wishaw or Motherwell it’s too late.”
Police were this week appealing for information following the blaze attacks. Detective constable Christopher Norton, who is leading the investigation, has appealed for witnesses to come forward.
“Officers were called to reports of two taxis having been set on fire on Laggan Path,” he said. “A third vehicle, a black Volkswagen Golf, was also damaged in the incident early on April 2.
DC Norton added: “Enquiries are at an early stage and we are still trying to trace the owner of the taxis who we believe is currently out of the country.
“This was a deliberate act and will clearly affect his ability to work and it is essential that we trace whoever is responsible as soon as possible.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 101.”
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/polit ... ar-5477757
Login
Register
FAQ
