Man in court over 'deliberate' van and fireworks blaze that left 'kids screaming in terror'

A suspect has appeared in court after a van containing fireworks was allegedly deliberately torched.

Police Scotland charged Connor Steele, 29, with a number of offences, including wilful fireraising, over the incident in a West Dunbartonshire street in the middle of the night.

A number of homes were evacuated and roads closed after the vehicle blaze and exploding fireworks sparked chaos in Braes Avenue, Clydebank, at about 1am on Sunday.

Yvonne O'Neill, secretary of Clydebank East Community Council, said at the time: "I've never witnessed anything like it - kids screaming in sheer terror."

There were no reports of any injuries, with the evacuations and road closures put in place as a precaution while fire crews put out the blaze.

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Steele made no plea to three separate charges when he appeared at Dumbarton Sheriff Court on Wednesday.

He has been accused of wilful fireraising; resisting, obstructing or hindering police; and behaving in a threatening or abusive manner.

The suspect, of Clydebank, was remanded in custody and is due back in the dock within the next eight days.