Police Scotland have launched an investigation into an act of wilful fireraising following a fire in the Labour Party Hall in Broadmeadow Industrial Estate, Dumbarton, which occurred at about 9.50pm on Sunday, September 21.

Jackie Baillie, MSP for Helensburgh, and Gemma Doyle, MP for West Dunbartonshire, released the following joint statement following the incident.

They said: “We are clearly very disappointed that the Labour Party offices appear to have been subject to an attack involving wilful fire raising.

“At this early stage it would be inappropriate to speculate on who is responsible but we understand that the police are following up on a number of leads.

“The area has been cordoned off by police who are treating it as a crime scene and we have not yet been able to examine the extent of the damage. In the meantime we will do everything we can to assist the police in their investigation.” There was no one in the offices at the time, and no need for evacuation, however, the offices have been extensively damaged.

Detective Inspector David Moran, Clydebank CID, is leading the police enquiry. He said: “Setting this fire was utterly irresponsible, reckless and very dangerous. Thankfully there was no one in the office at the time of the fire, however, the office very badly damaged with a bill that will no doubt run into thousands of pounds to repair.

“There are also a number of other small businesses in the area which could have suffered if the fire had taken hold.

“I am particularly keen to speak to or identify two men seen riding mountain bikes in the area about 30 minutes prior to the fire being discovered and who may have important information. Additionally I would ask that anyone who has any information about the persons responsible for setting this fire to make contact with us.”