Police have made a fresh appeal for witnesses following a series of suspicious fires in Peterhead.
Two men are wanted in connection with a blaze which destroyed the town’s Victoria Road bowling pavilion in the early hours of Sunday, June 15.
It is believed they were also responsible for two more devastating fires at industrial units at nearby Wilson Street around the same time.
The buildings, operated by Chandlers International and Ken Cassells Ltd, were both extensively damaged.
Last night, police said World Cup revellers could hold the key to tracing those responsible.
Detective sergeant Martin Macdougall, who is leading the inquiry, said: “I am appealing to the community to help us with our inquiries and for anyone who may have information to come forward.
“I am urging anyone who may have been in Peterhead that Saturday night, and may have witnessed suspicious activity, to get in touch. The town would have been particularly busy that night due to the England v Italy World Cup match.”
He added: “The fires have caused significant upset and inconvenience to both the local community and premises in the town.”
The three fires broke out within half an hour of each other, between 3am and 4am, and police have released details of two men who were seen in the area at the time.
They were aged between 16 and 25, slim build, and between 5ft 8in and 6ft.
The taller man was dark haired, and was wearing a dark jacket with a light writing on the upper left shoulder and back. The other was wearing a light jacket with a hood.
They were seen running from Wilson Street towards the junction with North Street.
The pavilion was secured by Aberdeenshire Council workmen to prevent further damage. A spokesman said the local authority was working with police and the fire service on their investigations.
Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.