Mt Pleasant house fire suspected arson after neighbours hear loud bang and car flee scene

A house has been badly damaged by fire in Mt Pleasant, with firefighters suspecting the blaze was deliberately lit.

The words, “Pay your debt dog”, have been daubed in thick red paint on the driveway of the Ullapool Road property.

Emergency services were called to the home about 3.17am on Wednesday, with DFES understood to believe the fire started at the front door.

Neighbours reported hearing a loud bang before a car was heard screeching away from the scene.

The fire caused significant damage throughout the home, with the roof caved in and smoke marks blackening the garage and front facade.

Nearby cars appeared to have been spared.

Firefighters used an aerial ladder platform to tackle the heavy flames and smoke, while a section of Ullapool Road remained closed until about 7am.

A white arson squad van arrived outside the property shortly after 8am, with officers setting up blue and white police tape around the scene.

Authorities are investigating the blaze and where there is a link between it and the driveway graffiti.