'RECKLESS and despicable' firestarters have been slammed for setting multiple blazes at a block of flats in Port Glasgow that 'could have led to fatalities'.

A number of occupants were evacuated from their properties on Highholm Street in the early hours of this morning following a fire in a common close and two others in rear garden areas of the street.

No-one required hospital treatment and detectives are now appealing for information, with the fires being treated as wilful.

Inverclyde area commander, Chief Inspector Damian Kane, said: “This is an absolutely reckless and despicable act that could easily have led to fatalities were it not for the swift actions of colleagues from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service."

Police were called to reports of the fires at around 1.40am on Friday, February 23 and emergency services, including an ambulance, attended to check people over.

Extensive police enquiries are ongoing in the Port Glasgow area to trace whoever is responsible and detectives are now speaking to people in the local community and gathering CCTV footage from in and around the area.

Anyone able to assist CID in their investigation is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident 0196 of February 23.

Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.