Police have ruled a fire on the outskirts of Aberdeen started in “suspicious” circumstances and have appealed for witnesses.
Fire crews were called to Tollohill Wood in the Banchory-Devenick area at about 7pm yesterday.
Members of the public who may have been in the area or seen anything unusual are now being urged to get in touch.
In particular, officers are looking to trace six youths seen in the area around the time.
PC Michael Urquhart said: “We are treating this fire as suspicious and would ask that anyone who was in the area on Monday evening and who may have seen anything unusual gets in touch with us.
“In particular we are looking to trace around six youths who were in the area at the time and who may be able to assist us with our inquiries.
“The area is popular with dog walkers and we’d ask that anyone who was visiting the woods and has information which may assist us gets in touch on 101.”
Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.