'Gang of 20 kids' reportedly setting bins on fire with a blow torch in Edinburgh

Pictures of a large fire in West Pilton were posted on social media by a residents' group.

A gang of around 20 children reportedly set fire to bins with a blow torch in the Pilton area of Edinburgh last night.

TRIM and Friends of West Pilton posted a picture of a large fire near the West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre, reportedly set alight by the group of youths.

A spokeswoman for the residents group said they were "disgusted" by the fires.

The fire close to West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre (Photo: TRIM and Friends of West Pilton)

She said: "Like most in our great community we are disgusted by this minority who think it is acceptable to recklessly set fires.

"We would ask anyone with information to report it, the consequences could have been much worse.

"Emergency services dealing with malicious fires could be delayed responding to other incidents."

A spokesman for Police Scotland said: "Police Scotland was made aware of concerns about anti-social behaviour in the West Pilton area of Edinburgh during the evening of Monday, 28 October,

"The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service attended to extinguish a small fire which had been started in the area and officers are carrying out enquiries to identify those involved.

"Anti-social behaviour is unacceptable, no matter what form it takes. Enquiries will be carried out where incidents are reported to police and where offenders are identified they will be dealt with appropriately

"Police Scotland urges people not to tolerate vandalism or anti-social behaviour but to report them by calling 101 as promptly as possible.

"Anyone with information regarding this specific incident can call 101, quoting reference 3879 of 28 October."