Police step up patrols after five fires in Aberdeen

Police are patrolling parts of Aberdeen after five fires - four of them described as "targeted and linked".

The first incidents happened at properties in the Northfield and Mastrick areas between Friday night and Sunday morning.

Police said the fifth, a car found on fire in the Manor Avenue area at 00:30 on Monday, was being treated as suspicious.

Nobody was injured in the incidents and there was no risk to the wider public, according to officers.

Three of the fires happened between 23:00 on Friday and 04:00 on Saturday.

A doorway was set on fire on Cummings Park Crescent, there was a shed fire at Provost Rust Drive, and there was a further small blaze at a property on Birkhall Parade.

At 03:00 on Sunday a fourth fire was started on Provost Rust Drive.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) quickly put out the fires.

Police Scotland said the fires were deliberated and asked anyone with information to get in touch.

Det Sgt Niall Mullen said: "Thankfully, no one was harmed as a result of these fires. However, these were reckless acts.

"We believe these fires were targeted and are all linked. There is no further risk to the wider public."

He added: "Dedicated patrols will remain in these areas throughout the coming days and nights."

Police Scotland said inquiries were continuing into the car fire.