POLICE are investigating a deliberate fire in a close in Larkfield in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Firefighters were called out to flats at the Cumberland Road shops just after midnight.

A blaze was deliberately started in a store room area within the close, where bins and furniture were being kept.

Residents had already left their homes prior to the arrival of staff from Greenock Fire Station, who spent around an hour and a half at the scene.

Police were also called and the matter is now being dealt with by detectives.