Families return to city homes after blaze drama
Crime Reporter RESIDENTS who were evacuated from their Govan homes at the weekend following a deliberate fire have now returned to their flats.
Govan Housing Association confirmed that the families living in the eight flats affected by the blaze were back in their homes in Elder Street on Monday.
Fire thugs struck in a common close area of the building just after midnight on Saturday prompting a large emergency response.
Four fire engines rushed to the scene to tackle the blaze after the alarm was raised.
The Evening Times previously reported online that 15 people were rescued by firefighters.
A total of seven people, including three children, were then taken to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital suffering from smoke inhalation.
The fire left the families homeless over the weekend while a police probe was launched into finding those responsible. Terrified residents spoke of their terror following their rescue.
Claire Richardson, 32, lives on the top floor of the building and had to wake her young daughter so they could escape the blaze.
She previously told the Evening Times: “The fact that it was started on purpose makes you wonder what is going through people’s heads, especially with everything that’s been happening with Grenfell.”
A spokeswoman for Govan Housing Association said: “On behalf of Govan Housing Association, I can confirm that residents were able to return to their homes on Monday following the fire which took place in the early hours of Saturday morning.”
The spokeswoman added: “There were eight properties within the close, however, individual properties were unaffected by the fire due to the quick response from local residents and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
“The damage caused by the fire was to the common close area.”
Meanwhile, police in Glasgow’s South Side continued their hunt to find those responsible for starting the fire.
Police Scotland confirmed yesterday they are still looking to catch the fire-starters who deliberately caused the blaze.
Officers appealed directly to anyone who may have information to contact Police Scotland on 101. Alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained.