Police say a house fire in Hamilton on Sunday was deliberately lit, and are seeking help in identifying offenders responsible.
Detective sergeant Simon Cherry of the Hamilton CIB said emergency services were called to the scene of the fire at a house on Cook St, Hamilton East about 1.45am.
"Residents of neighbouring properties had phoned 111 after they were woken by the blaze and shocked by the extent of the fire.
"Firefighters arrived to find the rear of the house engulfed in flames and extensive damage was caused before the fire could be extinguished. Fortunately the house wasn't occupied at the time of the incident and no other neighbouring properties were damaged."
A scene examination showed accelerants were used to start the fire which was deliberately lit, Mr Cherry said.