A £5,000 reward is being offered to anyone who may have information about a fire at an electrical substation near a Helensburgh supermarket.
Scottish Power says the blaze is suspected to have been started deliberately at the power unit on Sinclair Street, next to the Co-op car park, on Wednesday, April 28.
According to the energy company, power supplies were cut from 340 homes and businesses in the town, including the Co-op, after the fire took hold at around 4.30pm.
The substation enclosure was completely destroyed and the electrical equipment damaged beyond repair, although luckily the fire did not spread to adjoining properties.
SP Energy Networks says it has already completed the installation of a new substation at the site and now the utility firm is appealing for information from the public to identify the cause of the fire.
Alistair Menzies, SP Energy Networks district manager for the area, said: “Vandalism to electricity distribution networks can often result in power loss to communities, cause fires and has the potential to result in serious harm to those responsible. Those carrying out such acts not only risk serious injury but also loss of life.
“It is suspected that this fire was started deliberately, and it beggars belief that anyone could risk their own life or the lives of local people in this way if this fire had spread.
“We are supporting police enquiries into this incident and we would also encourage anyone who has any information on those responsible to come forward.
READ MORE: Dramatic footage of electrical fire near Helensburgh supermarket
Earlier this month Helensburgh police said "it could not be confirmed that the fire was started deliberately" following an investigation involving local officers and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
SP Energy Networks is also encouraging anyone who can provide information on the incident to either contact the police through the national 101 telephone number or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or to call the company’s 24-hour hotline on 0800 092 9290.
SP Energy Networks says it will pay £5,000 to anyone who provides information which eventually leads to the conviction of any of those responsible.
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