A home in Motherwell was deliberately set alight in the early hours of this morning. 

A man was spotted fleeing the scene on Cliveden Drive at around 1.55am after property along the road was set alight.

The fire was extinguished by the Scottish Fire and Rescue service while substantial damage was caused to the front door. 

Nobody was injured as a result of the blaze.

Police Scotland are treating the incident as a targeted attack and believe the fire was wilful. 

They are now appealing to anybody who may have been in the area at the time or anybody with information to come forward. 

The suspect is described as wearing a light-coloured top and dark-coloured trousers. 

Detective Inspector Kenneth Dalrymple of Wishaw CID said: “This was a reckless and dangerous act of wilful fire-raising which thankfully did not result in anyone getting injured. 

“We believe that this was a targeted attack and we are keen to trace those responsible as soon as possible. 

“A man was seen to run away from the incident and we are appealing to anyone who may have seen him in the area around the time of the fire.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 0217 of Wednesday, 30 September, or alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.