Boy, 12, arrested in connection with fire that ravaged Kilmarnock building

A 12-year-old boy has been arrested and charged in connection with a fire that ravaged a number of local businesses in East Ayrshire.

Emergency services were called at about 9.30pm on Monday to reports of a large fire on Sandbed Street, Kilmarnock.

The blaze led to the closure of several businesses in the area, some of which were immediately affected by the fire, and others were closed as a precaution.

Some roads were closed and there were no reported injuries.

The 12-year-old boy has been released on an undertaking to appear at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court later this month.

The fire is being treated as wilful.

Anyone with any information has been asked by police to contact 101 quoting reference 3692 of 14 July, 2025.