Residents in Rutherglen and Cambuslang have described a night of terror as a car firebomb gang torched two vehicles in a spree of mayhem near Glasgow. The first incident occurred on Monday afternoon when a car was stolen from a family home in the Cathkin area. The vehicle was later set on fire and its charred remains were dumped two streets away at Springhall Court in Rutherglen. Emergency services were called to the residential estate after the smoking car was discovered, with images showing the seats melted and destroyed.
Second Attack in Cambuslang
A second attack took place outside Whitlawburn Towers in Cambuslang, where a parked Volkswagen was petrol bombed at 2am on Tuesday. Dramatic footage captured flames engulfing the vehicle. No one was injured in either incident. A neighbour believes a gang of hooded thugs seen on CCTV are the culprits. Frightened residents who heard explosions outside their homes said they fear being targeted next.
Residents Speak Out
One resident who shared footage of the blaze anonymously said: "I was in my bed, but wide awake and could hear noises outside. Then heard big smash of glass, looked outside and within seconds the car was up in flames." Pauline Jaconeilli added: "I heard explosions around 1.40am. Then fire crews turned up." Jemma Cathie said: "A friend of mine woke up to the smell of smoke and burning as he left the window open. It's mayhem as far as I’m aware. That's three in the span of a couple of days."
Community Fear
Robert Hampson said: "It's absolutely mental. Usually really quiet around this area. No idea what's going on. Looks to me as if there's a serial arsonist in the area setting cars on fire." Rochelle Saw commented: "Absolutely disgusting! Feel bad for the owners because they are the ones who’ll have to replace them and take the hit with their insurance while there’s no consequences for the culprits."
Police Investigation
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 4.25pm on Monday, 29 June, 2026 police received a report of a car on fire in Cruachan Road, Rutherglen. Police and SFRS attended and the fire was extinguished. There were no reports of anyone injured. The fire is being treated as wilful and enquiries are ongoing." They added: "Around 1.55am on Tuesday 30 June, 2026, police received a report of a car on fire in the Gartmore Terrace area of Cambuslang. The fire was extinguished by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and is being treated as wilful. Enquiries are ongoing."
