Firefighters have condemned those responsible for a spate of deliberate car blazes in Aberdeen for putting “unnecessary pressure” on the force.
In just three weeks, five vehicles have been torched in Tillydrone and police are investigating whether the incidents are connected.
Emergency services were alerted to a silver Audi and a red Vauxhall Tigra ablaze at around 12.45am on Thursday – both of which were parked on Auchinleck Crescent.
The incident is being treated as suspicious.
A brown Kia Sportage parked in Donbank Place was targeted at about 2.30am on Saturday, July 6.
And another two cars, a red Volkswagen Polo and a black Polo, were set alight on Saturday, June 22.
Police say they are keeping an “open mind” about whether the incidents are linked.
Sergeant Mark Adam said: “Incidents of this nature are rare and can cause a great deal of alarm to people who live nearby, therefore they will not be tolerated.
“Anyone with information about any of these incidents is asked to get in touch as soon as possible.”
Meanwhile, at the end of May, a balaclava-clad gang smashed the windows of a van before torching it on Lossie Place in Mastrick.
Bruce Farquharson, the fire service’s local senior officer for Aberdeen, said: “Deliberate fires are completely unacceptable and put unnecessary pressure on firefighters when genuine emergencies arise.
“Every deliberate fire has victims, costs – and consequences.
“We take a zero tolerance approach to these incidents and work closely with our partners in the police in an effort to trace anyone involved in this unacceptable and criminal behaviour.”
Tillydrone, Seaton and Old Aberdeen councillor Ross Grant said: “I’ve represented this community for seven years and haven’t seen anything quite like this.
“The police are obviously carrying out investigations but given the alarming number of vehicles, and the number of car owners affected in such a short period of time, it is causing concern.
“It is really imperative that these attacks cease and the perpetrators are brought to justice.”
Anyone with information should call the police on 101, or the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555111 if they would prefer to remain anonymous.