POLICE have charged two teenage boys following an act of wilful fire-raising in Peebles.

Around 1.30pm on Saturday, cardboard and other combustible materials were set alight in the Alexander Lucas Stand at Whitestone Park.

A file on the 13 and 14-year-olds will be sent to the Children's Reporter.

PC Barry Taylor of Peebles said: "This was an extremely disrespectful act which risked the safety of everyone within the grounds.

"I want to thank the public for their support during our enquiries and reassure the local community that behaviour such as this will not be tolerated."

Local Senior Officer David Farries of the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service said: “Deliberately set fires are dangerous; they waste time and money, and keep our crews away from real emergencies.

“Those who start these fires deliberately are not only wasting time and resources, they must remember it could be someone they know who may be in serious danger elsewhere, but firefighters have been delayed due to their actions.

“Whether the reason for starting fires deliberately is boredom, bravado or wanting to see the fire engine go past with its lights on, it doesn’t matter, their actions could ultimately put lives in danger."