Murder Probe Launched After Man Dies And Woman Seriously Injured In New Year's Day Milngavie House Fire

Police launched a murder probe last night after a man died and a woman was seriously injured in a devastating house blaze on New Year’s Day.

Fire crews were called to the home of David and Cathy Logan in Milngavie, East Dunbartonshire, just before 7.30am on Sunday.

Officers last night said they now believed the fire was “wilful and deliberate in nature”.

Detective Inspector Martin Fergus, said: “This is a truly terrible incident in which a man has died and a woman remains in a serious condition at hospital following a targeted and wilful fire.

“Local residents are understandably shocked that a man has lost his life within the blaze, particularly given that it occurred on New Year’s Day, a time when families and friends come together and spend time with one another.

“I want to reassure local residents that all is being done to trace the person or persons responsible and to ensure that they are held to account for their actions.”

David and Cathy Logan are understood to have been treated for smoke inhalation while another man died and a 24-year-old woman was seriously hurt in the blaze - which left their semi-detached Achray Place home gutted.

Solicitor David and wife Cathy have two sons Blair, 26, and Cameron, 23. Tests were being carried out to confirm the identity of the dead man last night and police said they would not be realising any more details on the mystery fire.

DI Fergus added: “Since the fire was first reported, there has been a substantial presence by the emergency services on Achray Place, including the force helicopter. Following the joint investigation which determined the fire was a deliberate act, specialist detectives and forensic services staff have remained at the scene as part of the murder investigation, supported by local uniformed officers.

“Those local officers will also remain in the area to provide reassurance and we would ask local residents to approach those officers with any information they may have. It is possible that local residents who were jogging, or walking their dogs, between 7am and 7.30am, are yet to speak with officers.

“It is also possible that passing motorists may have witnessed anything which may help our investigation. You may have seen someone running away from the house at this time, or perhaps seen someone acting suspiciously in the area.

“As part of our broader investigation, any information could prove critical in tracing the person or persons responsible for this horrifying crime.”

The 24-year-old woman was also taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital to receive medical treatment for serious injuries caused by the fire. She remains in hospital where medical staff describe her condition as serious.