Family's Home and Cars Destroyed in Apparent Arson Attack

A family narrowly escaped injury when their home and vehicles were destroyed in what police are treating as a wilful attack. Masked arsonists armed with a machete doused the property in flammable liquid and set it ablaze in the early hours of Thursday, October 1, 2026.

The incident occurred in Broughty Ferry, Dundee, around 3:15 a.m. The couple, who have lived in the home for six years, were awoken by noises they initially mistook for their cat. However, notifications from their Ring doorbell revealed two masked individuals at their property.

Footage from the doorbell camera shows one suspect pouring a flammable liquid onto the front doorstep and the house's front door. The suspects then fled the scene, with one observed carrying a machete, before the property was engulfed in flames.

The fire caused extensive damage to the front door and garden, smashed a window, and destroyed the couple's two cars. The vehicles were so severely damaged that they had fused to the tarmac and required cranes to be removed. Among the destroyed possessions were the couple's wedding photographs, which were stored in the boot of one of the cars.

The couple, who were married just over a year ago, were inside the house when the attack occurred. The husband attempted to use a hose to combat the flames but was forced to retreat as the fire spread rapidly. A neighbour warned him to evacuate as one of the cars was engulfed in flames, fearing an explosion. The front door was also alight, forcing the husband to exit through the rear of the property, which had also been doused in accelerant. A window near the staircase was smashed.

Amid the chaos, the couple's cat, Sandra, went missing. She was later found unharmed, hiding in a corner of the house.

While physically unharmed, the couple has been left deeply shaken. The husband reported not sleeping for the first three nights after the attack, constantly monitoring the doorbell camera footage. They have been able to continue living in their home after boarding up the broken window, but are still dealing with the lingering smell of smoke and fumes.

Police Scotland confirmed they received a report of a vehicle fire and property damage. The fire is being treated as wilful, and enquiries are ongoing. No arrests have been made, and the motive for the attack remains unknown. Despite the incident, the couple expressed a reluctance to move, citing their positive relationships with neighbours and their desire to remain in their home.

To assist with the costs of repairs, new vehicles, and the extensive clean-up, a GoFundMe campaign has been established by a close family member. The couple described the financial impact as "huge" and stated that no one is ever truly prepared for such an event.