Police appeal after cars set alight outside Addiewell Prison

Police are seeking witnesses after a group of men set fire to a number of cars parked within the grounds of HMP Addiewell last week.
HMP Addiewell Prison. Picture; Lisa FergusonHMP Addiewell Prison. Picture; Lisa Ferguson
HMP Addiewell Prison. Picture; Lisa Ferguson

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The incident began around 7:45pm on Friday, August 12th with the alarm being raised by prison staff after four males in a blue Range Rover pulled into the car park.

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Three males wearing balaclavas then exited the vehicle and proceeded to damage or set alight five parked cars before making off in the Range Rover, which police confirmed was stolen from Queen Margaret Close on August 7th

Picture; Lisa FergusonPicture; Lisa Ferguson
Picture; Lisa Ferguson

At around 8:15pm the same day, two men were seen setting fire to the Range Rover in Harvester Way, Edinburgh, before fleeing the scene in a silver coloured vehicle, which was also stolen.

The silver vehicle was later spotted in the Granton area of the city and was recovered by police in Eildon Street.

Police are carrying out various lines of inquiry in a joint investigation between CID officers in Edinburgh and West Lothian,

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Officers are urging anyone who can help identify those responsible is asked to come forward.

Picture; Lisa FergusonPicture; Lisa Ferguson
Picture; Lisa Ferguson

Detective Inspector Paul Batten of Livingston CID, said: “We are satisfied that this was an isolated incident and there is no ongoing threat to the general public.

“However, this was a brazen attack that caused several thousand pounds worth of damage as well as cause significant fear and alarm.

“Today, I’m appealing to anyone who saw the blue Range Rover Evoke at any point between Monday, August 8th, and Friday, August 12th, to come forward immediately.

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“Likewise, anyone who has information relating to the housebreaking in Queen Margaret Close between August 7th and 8th is asked to come forward.

“In particular, I would be interested to hear from anyone who remembers any suspicious activity in the area of Queen Margaret Close around the time of this crime.”

Those with relevant information are asked to contact police in 101 or alternatively a report can be made anonymously through the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 11.