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People who spread asylum seeker disinformation which led to fire at Glasgow flats will be 'pursued' by police, John Swinney vows
Police Scotland is investigating the blaze as wilful and urging witnesses to share CCTV and dash-cam footage as misinformation fueled racial tension.
On Tuesday, First Minister John Swinney warned that police will pursue those "spreading misinformation" and "inciting racial tension" linked to Sunday's fire at a Glasgow tenement.
Prior to the blaze at Stonyhurst Street, two protests occurred in July and August following online claims the site would house asylum seekers, which Homes rejected.
Detective Inspector Neil Martin confirmed the fire is being treated as willful and asked the public to "check any private CCTV" and call Police Scotland on 101.
The tenement, derelict for 20 years, was undergoing a £3 million renovation to create 23 affordable flats, which Homes said was intended "to provide much-needed affordable homes."
Ruairi Kelly, Glasgow City Council's housing convener, told BBC Scotland News it is "really difficult" to counter misinformation, while the council has brought more than 3,500 empty homes back to "productive use" in recent years.