A woman and two children were taken to hospital following a deliberate fire at a block of flats.

The blaze at Millcroft Road in Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire was reported around 5.45pm on Sunday.

A number of items had been placed at the door of the common stairwell and set on fire.

A woman aged 20 and two children aged two and three suffered smoke inhalation and were taken to Monklands Hospital before later being released.

The building saw heavy smoke damage during the fire.

Police are now investigating and detectives are going door-to-door in the area to gather information.

Detective constable Carla O'Neill said: "I am appealing for anyone who was in the Millcroft Road area around the time of the incident to contact us.

"Did you notice anyone running away, did you see anyone hanging around outside the close?

"Was there anything that you saw which you thought seemed a little odd? If you have any information, please do pass it on to us."

Anyone with information has been asked to contact officers at Cumbernauld Police Office via 101, or the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.