Pensioner's car deliberately set on fire in Midlothian sparks police investigation

A pensioner’s car was found alight in a street after being deliberately set on fire.

The crime happened in Teviot Grove in Penicuik at about 11pm last night (Tuesday, June 16) when a parked Silver Peugeot 208 was found on fire.

No injuries have been reported, yet officers are eager to find out more information about several vehicles that were seen in the area at the time.

Two cars, one dark-coloured, and the other light-coloured, were seen driving in convoy along Yarrow Court from the direction of Eastfield Farm Road at the the time of the incident.

A black Golf with a broken number plate was also seen in the area, in Strathesk Road, the previous evening and again on the night the car was set on fire.

A man was also spotted near the car before it was set on fire and detectives would like to speak to him in connection with their enquiries.

He has been described as 5ft 8ins to 5ft 10ins, of slim to medium build and was wearing a tracksuit at the time of the incident.

Detective Constable Declan Hogg said: “Fortunately nobody was injured but the elderly owner of the vehicle used this car as his only way of getting out and about and has been left inconvenienced by its loss.

“Enquiries so far indicate that there were a number of vehicles and people around at the time of the fire and we are keen to speak to anyone who may be able to help with our investigation. Anyone with CCTV footage who has not yet spoken to officers or with dash-cam footage is asked to get in touch.

“If you have any information please contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 4474 of Tuesday, 16 June, 2020, or make a call anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”