Police investigate explosion and fire at home of Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell which left family ‘extremely shaken’

An investigation is under way into an explosion and fire at the home of Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell which forced the family to flee.

Police are treating the incident as deliberate, with a man spotted on CCTV pouring accelerant on cars in the garage.

Celtic FC said the family are “extremely shaken and shocked” by the blaze, which caused “significant damage”, but they are all safe.

Firefighters were called to the blaze which affected cars and the house in Thorntonhall, South Lanarkshire, in the early hours of Wednesday.

Eight fire engines were sent to the scene in Peel Road when the alarm was raised just after 1am.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said there were no reports of any casualties.

Firefighters extinguished the blaze but some remained at the scene at 7am and police road closures were still in place at that time.

Police and the fire service have launched a joint investigation.

A joint investigation by Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has found three vehicles were deliberately set alight, which also resulted in extensive damage to the garage.

Detectives are treating the fire as deliberate after CCTV showed a man pouring an accelerant on the vehicles.

The male suspect is described as around 5ft 10in and of slim build.

He was wearing black joggers, a black hooded jumper with the hood up, black trainers and a face mask.

A silver or grey hatchback car was also seen near the house at the time of the fire.

Detective Inspector Susie Cairns said: “This was a completely reckless act which destroyed three cars and caused significant damage to the property’s garage.

“The consequences could have been so much worse but thankfully nobody was injured during this incident.

“I am appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time that saw a man or car matching this description or saw any unusual activity to please come forward.

“If you have personal CCTV or a dashcam, please check back and see if there is any footage that could assist our investigation.

“No matter how small or insignificant you think it may be, please get in touch.”

A Celtic spokesman said: “We can confirm that significant damage has been caused to Peter Lawwell’s house and vehicles there, following an explosion and fire early this morning, forcing the family to leave the property.

“Clearly, Peter’s family are extremely shaken and shocked by these terrible events, but thankfully all are safe

“We understand that Police Scotland are currently undertaking a criminal investigation.

“Peter and his family will of course receive the full support and care of everyone at the club.”

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Around 1am on Wednesday, officers were called to a report of vehicles on fire outside a house on Peel Road, Thorntonhall.

“No-one was injured and officers are currently working with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to establish the cause of the fire.”