A new AstroTurf pitch has been partly destroyed in a deliberate fire.

Emergency services were called to a report of a blaze at the new pitch in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, in the early hours of Thursday.

The fire at Bent Road Recreation Park was extinguished by the fire crews and following a joint investigation by police and the fire service, the blaze is being treated as wilful.

Detective constable Debbie Walker at Cambuslang CID said: "We believe that the fire was wilfully started sometime between 3.30pm on Wednesday and 4am on Thursday.

"The fire has destroyed part of the new football pitch resulting in a delay of its opening.

"Anyone who has any information that could assist our enquiries is asked to contact Cambuslang CID via telephone number 101.

"Alternatively calls can be made via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained."