A major blaze in a garage that forced residents to be evacuated and sparked a power cut to homes was deliberate.

People were forced to leave their homes after fire crews were called to a street in Lochmaben, Dumfries and Galloway, on Wednesday night.

Emergency services closed off Castle Street in the village shortly after 11pm as they tackled a blaze in the workshop of a garage.

Scottish Power engineers were also called in to restore power in the area after a number of homes were left without electricity.

No one was injured in the fire but the property was extensively damaged as a result and police are treating it as suspicious.

Detective sergeant Hugh McCombe said: "We are treating this fire as suspicious and are carrying out door to door enquiries in the immediate area.

"We are keen to speak to two men who were seen in the area of the garage in Castle Street around 11pm on Wednesday night.

"We also want to hear from anyone who may have been past the garage which is on Castle Street, not far from the junction with Welldale Place.

"Anyone who may have any information which might help us catch those responsible is asked to call us at Lockerbie on 101."