A MURDER conspiracy accused man plotted from prison to kill a six-year-old girl and four other people in a series of petrol bombing attacks in Greenock, it's alleged.

Robert Warnock 'directed' a gang of men to target people's homes as part of a violent scheme to cause multiple deaths and destruction within the town, Crown prosecutors say.

The 24-year-old appeared at Greenock Sheriff Court — amid a heightened police presence — charged with orchestrating attacks on properties near the town centre and in Larkfield.

Warnock is said to have, from within Shotts Prison in Lanarkshire, conspired with four men — and others who are meanwhile unknown — to 'assault and murder' the alleged victims.

Prosecutors say that two men, two women and a child aged six were within the houses when Molotov cocktails were thrown at the buildings.

The charge against Warnock alleges that 'in pursuance of said conspiracy' he 'did engage in telephone conversations and did encourage and direct' the others between July 10 and September 19 last year.

It is alleged that he directed the men to attend at houses on Union Street and Cumberland Road 'armed with explosive substances commonly known as petrol bombs and throw said petrol bombs through the windows of the properties thereby causing damage to same and fires to take effect'.

Prosecutors say he did this 'to the danger of life of the occupants within and did conspire to murder' them.

Other petrol bombings — believed to have been carried out by enemies of Warnock — took place last year at properties on Wellington Street and at Kincaid Court.

Four men, Craig MacFarlane, 25, Kieran McAnally, 24, Brendan O'Donnell, 22, and another 25-year-old previously appeared in court in relation to a number of such attacks.

The Union Street house was targeted twice.

Petrol bomber George Miller, 46, burned to death in the second attack on September 14 after accidentally torching himself.

The Telegraph revealed exclusively in January how prosecutors preparing High Court murder bid proceedings in relation to the alleged bombers are set to indict all of them in one case.

This detail emerged after one of the alleged bombers appeared at Greenock Sheriff Court recently on an unrelated matter.

The man's lawyer, Gordon Nicol, said: "My client is in custody regarding one of the fireraising allegations.

"From discussions with the Crown, I'm told that the likelihood is that all of the accused will be indicted at one time, in one case.

"I can't see that case calling in this calendar year.

"It will be 2022 before it comes to court."

Arrests were made as part of the major Operation Tell police investigation and following a widespread appeal for information.

Murder conspiracy accused Warnock yesterday made no plea during a private hearing on petition.

Sheriff Joseph Hughes continued the case for further examination and remanded him in custody.

The matter is due to call in court again next week.