CELTIC CHIEF ‘EXTREMELY SHAKEN’ AFTER FIRE ATTACK

PETER LAWWELL and his family are “extremely shaken” after an explosion and fire at their home.

Eight fire engines responded to reports of a car on fire outside the Celtic chief executive’s house in Thorntonhall, South Lanarkshire, in the early hours of this morning. No-one was injured.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said the blaze spread to other vehicles and the detached two-storey property.

A club statement read: “We can confirm that significant damage has been caused to Peter Lawwell’s house and vehicles there, following an explosion and fire early this morning, forcing the family to leave the property.

“Clearly, Peter’s family are extremely shaken and shocked by these terrible events, but thankfully all are safe.”

A petrol bomb or a similar item was thrown at Lawwell’s car in his driveway, according to a report in the Daily Record. The car is understood to have exploded, while the fire then spread to other vehicles in his driveway as well as his home.

Police Scotland and SFRS are investigating the cause of the blaze.

In January, Lawwell, 61, confirmed he is to retire from his CEO role at Parkhead at the end of next month.

He will be replaced by Dominic McKay, who has already moved from Scottish Rugby to take up the post.