A mother and child were said to be 'scared for their lives' as they 'jumped' from a block of flats on fire.
The 'suspicious' blaze broke out at the properties on Low Waters Road in Hamilton on Sunday morning.
999 crews raced to the scene and two residents were rescued from the flat.
A terrified eyewitness told the Glasgow Times they saw the pair jump from the windows as they were the 'only way out' during the fire.
"The block of flats was deliberately targeted and set on fire blocking the front and back entrance, the only way out was to jump out windows," they claimed.
"A mother and child had to jump and were scared for their lives."
They added that others had to be rescued by the fire brigade on ladders.
The witness said: "All we know is someone got into the close and set alight a cupboard on the ground floor.
"Flames were up in seconds and full close was demolished."
Fire crews revealed they sent three engines to the scene and successfully put out a fire in the common close of the flats.
They confirmed two people were rescued and passed over to the care of paramedics.
One person was rushed to hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation.
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 7.33am on Sunday, June 30, to reports of a dwelling fire at Low Waters Road, Hamilton.
“Operations Control mobilised three appliances to the scene where firefighters worked to extinguish the fire affecting a common close.
“Two casualties were rescued and handed into the care of the Scottish Ambulance Service.
“Crews left after ensuring the area was made safe.”
Police revealed that they are investigating the fire, which they are treating as suspicious.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “An investigation is underway following a suspicious fire in Hamilton.
"Around 7.35am on Sunday, June 30, 2024, police received a report of a fire in a close in Low Waters Road, Hamilton.
"One person was taken to hospital for smoke inhalation and inquiries are ongoing.”
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