Craig McQuillian was caught on camera entering the Fidra Court building in Edinburgh at around 11.30pm on November 12, 2023.

The 44-year-old was carrying a metal crowbar and a plastic carrier bag which held a container filled with petrol.

After taking the lift to the victim’s floor, he doused the accelerant on the floor directly outside the door before setting it alight and fleeing the scene.

A young child, who was inside the affected flat, raised the alarm by shouting ‘fire’ after he smelt burning while in bed.

The flat’s other occupant was able to extinguish the flames using a wet towel before emergency services arrived at the scene.

McQuillian admitted attempting to murder his two victims and was sentenced to six years in prison.

Moira Orr, who leads on homicide and major crime for the Crown Office, said: “This was an extremely reckless act that could have had devastating consequences had it not been for the brave and swift actions of his victims.

“Craig McQuillian carefully planned this targeted attack, which took place when most residents would have been asleep in bed. It was only by good fortune that the young child smelled burning and was able to raise the alarm in time.”