Reward offered over hotel attack

30 March 2018, 16:10 | Updated: 30 March 2018, 16:11

An Aberdeenshire hotel is offering a reward for information after it was targeted in a "sickening" petrol bomb attack.

A ground-floor window of the Station Hotel in Insch was broken late on Monday or early Tuesday with a container of fuel covered with a cloth thrown into the building.

It failed to ignite but the owners believe a fire was the intention and they are offering a "substantial reward" for information.

Police are investigating the incident at the hotel, formerly known as The Carriages, which is currently being refurbished.

A post on the Station Hotel Facebook page said: "Colin & I are disappointed to have to report that a sickening criminal act was carried out at The Station Hotel on Monday 26/Tuesday 27 March.

"One of the new windows on the ground floor was smashed with a large stone and a 5 litre container full of fuel with a cloth tied around the handle was thrown into the building. Fortunately a fire did not break out however it seems this was the intent of the perpetrators.

"Police Scotland & forensic scientists attended on Tuesday and are now using live CCTV footage to aid their inquiry.

"If anyone has information please get in touch with Police Scotland on 101, alternatively PM myself.

"There will be a substantial reward for any information that leads to conviction."

Constable Lewis Moir said: "Vandalism and antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated. The owners of the hotel are in the process of refurbishing the premises and so it is disappointing that someone has chosen to cause damage to a local business which will benefit the community in the long term.

"If anyone noticed anything suspicious in or around the area of Commercial Road, Insch, between these hours, please call Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident 0485 of 27 March."