A group of around 25 masked youths rampaged across a forecourt in Newmains, North Lanarkshire, lighting a flare before throwing it into the site’s shop.
Cooper Brothers, which runs a tyre fitting and wholesaling business, and also operates a filling station in the village, is appealing for information after the shocking incident, which took place on Tuesday, May 13.
The flare did not start a fire, and despite staff and customers being in the shop nobody was injured, though the store’s floor suffered burn damaged, and some stock was lost.
The firm says that the group had previously been at Newmains United Community Football Club, with some of those involved claiming to be ‘ultra’ supporters, and wearing black and red balaclavas – colours associated with the club.
Police Scotland have collected CCTV footage from the site and are investigating. Cooper Brothers is appealing for anyone with information about the incident to contact the police or Crimestoppers.
A statement released by the firm says “We hope this matter is resolved swiftly and does not become a recurring issue for other local residents or businesses.”
