Ex-underworld figure and restaurant owner says he is mystified by series of terrifying attacks that have destroyed village eateries

A FORMER underworld figure claims he is “mystified” at who is behind a gangland vendetta terrorising a Scots village.

- BY MARK McGIVERN

Three restaurants associated with Hugh O'Donnell, 67, have been targeted in firebomb raids in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, where locals claim lives are being severely impacted.

O'Donnell claims he cannot work out who, or why, the businesses run by his wife Marion and daughters - have been targeted.

He said: “I can categorically tell you that I don't know who is behind this and I cannot think of any grudge that would have led to such damage being inflicted.

“It is fair to say that I may have had certain associations 20 years ago but my life is very different now. I'm a pensioner and I'm very interested in a quiet life.”

Businessman O'Donnell's calls for a ramped-up police crackdown on the firebomb “chaos” have been supported by local businesses, politicians and residents.

The village has been plagued by a series of cowardly, late-night attacks on restaurants, cars and homes - with many believed to have been ordered by the same organised crime figures.

The Nel and Co eatery on Bothwell’s Main Street was gutted by fire in an attack early on Wednesday, while the Cut steak restaurant was also badly damaged by another suspected petrol bomb last month.

And two years ago Da Luciano restaurant, also associated with O'Donnell and run by his family, was destroyed by late-night firebomb attacks. It is now derelict.

O'Donnell believes policing in Bothwell needs to be reviewed, with more resources directed to finding out who is behind the crimewave.