Edinburgh pensioner's home '˜targeted in fire-raising attack'

They are understood to have set light to a door of the property in the Drylaw area of the city.

Fire-fighters were scrambled to the scene at Wester Drylaw Place shortly after 8pm after the alarm was raised.

Ten fire-fighters and two appliances from Crewe Toll attended and used a hose-reel jet to put the fire out in the stairway.

But they immediately called in detectives to investigate the circumstances behind the blaze.

One worried neighbour said: “The flat belongs to an old aged pensioner. Why would anyone try and set fire to an OAP’s flat?

“They were in the flat when it was set on fire.

“The fire brigade dealt with the fire and police were on the scene too.”

It is thought police may be looking at CCTV from the area to see if it captured whoever was responsible.

Police Scotland confirmed they attended the incident.