The back door of a north-east family home was doused in petrol and set alight on New Year’s Day – whilst a two-year-old was being babysat inside.
Samantha Laing and Aaron Fleming ran from Hogmanay celebrations to their home on Kemnay’s Craigearn Park after thugs set their backdoor alight at about 12.30am on January 1.
The culprits poured petrol – said to have been contained in a plastic water bottle – on the door, doorway and steps outside the property before it was ignited
The son of Miss Laing and Mr Fleming, two-year-old Kai Fleming, was being put to bed by his grandfather, David Laing, inside when smoke was spotted in the kitchen.
Mr Laing put the worst of the flames out with water himself, aided by a friend.
Firefighters were called to the incident from Inverurie and helped extinguish the blaze, also using small tools on arrival.
Forensics officers were also called to the scene, with a police officer standing guard overnight following the fire.
Last night nursery manager Miss Laing, 21, said: “We were out for New year and Dad was watching the fireworks with him (Kai) and then they stopped at about 12.15am.
“The dog had barked and my Dad had come through and had seen smoke coming under the door.
“As he opened the door, he phoned the police and fire brigade and I got a phone call to say the house was on fire, then it was a case of running down from the pub.
“Petrol had been poured over the backdoor and the back steps and set alight.
“It was out by the time we arrived, but it was still smoking by the time the fire brigade got here. The dog is not one to bark and since he did, that is what drew my Dad’s attention going through to get the bairn’s milk for his bed. I’d like to think whoever it was won’t come back.”
She added if nobody had been at home to spot the fire, the effect on the home and neighbouring properties could have been “disastrous”.
The door and surrounding archway was left scorched and blackened by the incident.
A tea candle found nearby following the incident may have been used to start the blaze.
Last night detective sergeant Martyn Thomson said: “We are treating the fire as wilful and would appeal to anyone with information to get in touch with us as soon as possible.
“This type of behaviour will not be tolerated. It goes without saying that the risk of harm was significant and the consequences could have been far greater.”
Police can be contacted on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to remain anonymous.
