Used car garage sees damage of £30,000 as vehicles torched in hate crime

The owner of a used car dealer in Loanhead said he has been left “devastated” after four of his vehicles were set alight and vandalised with racist graffiti.

Police say they are treating the incident as a hate crime.

“I received a phone call from the police at around 5.30am on Saturday morning,” Raj Singh told the Evening News. “Four cars were set on fire and covered in racist graffiti.

“I’d estimate the cost of the damage at about £30,000. I’m utterly devastated.”

A spokesperson for Dalkeith police said: “Officers in Dalkeith are appealing for information after cars were deliberately set on fire at a premises in Loanhead.

“Around 5.10am on Saturday, 13 March, 2021 cars were vandalised with racist graffiti and set alight at a premises in Clerk Street, Loanhead.

"There were no reports of any injuries and enquiries are ongoing."

Detective Constable John Lumsden of Dalkeith CID added: “Due to racist graffiti on the vehicles, we are currently treating this as a hate crime.

Pictured is one of four cars set on fire at Loanhead Car Sales.

“I am appealing to anyone who may have been driving in the area at the time of the incident to get in touch if they have any information or dash-cam footage which may assist with our investigation.

“We are also keen to speak to anyone who was in the area or who witnessed the fire.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101, quoting incident number 0663 of 13 March, 2021. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.

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