POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a bin was deliberately set alight outside the front door of a house on Monday night.

Fire and police services were called to the house in Annfield, Tranent, after the plastic recycling bin was discovered burning next to the front door of the property.

It was later discovered attempts had also been made to set light to a bin at a neighbouring property around the same time.

Police said the alarm was raised at around 9pm on Monday by a local resident.

Inspector Andrew Harborow, of Tranent Police Station, said: "Thankfully, due to the swift actions of a local resident the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service were quickly called and were able to extinguish the fire before any further damage could be caused.

"Wilful fireraising poses a significant risk, not just to people's homes and property, but to the safety of all local residents and I would urge anyone with information about this incident to get in touch with us as soon as possible."

It is understood the door to the property was extensively damaged in the blaze.

Group Manager Steve Gourlay of the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service said: "This illegal activity is not only reckless and dangerous but can divert resources away from genuine emergencies.

“Our crews are always ready to respond to any incident to keep our communities safe, but it is important people understand the potential consequences of this dangerous behaviour.

"Fires not only put lives at risk but they can devastate homes, affect businesses and damage the local environment.”

Mr Gourlay appealed to all residents to ensure they do not leave rubbish or other items in gardens and stairwells, and to make sure they have a working smoke alarm in their homes.

and he appealed to anyone with information about incidents to report them.

He said: “We want to stop fires before they start and I hope the public will join our fight against fire by reporting any fire related anti-social behaviour to Crimestoppers.”

Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 4009 of 12 June, or report this anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.