A CULTURAL centre used by Muslims was today targeted in a firebomb attack, the Evening Times can reveal.

A manhunt is underway for the thugs who targeted the Bishopbriggs Cultural Centre - also known as Al Sarouk - in the early hours of this morning.

Insiders fear the building may have been set alight in revenge for the Paris terror attacks.

Fire crews raced to the scene in Auchinairn Road, Bishopbriggs at around 2.20am today and found a fire had been started.

Police today confirmed the fire is being treated as "wilful fire-raising" and witnesses have been urged to come forward.

Sources said the incident may be linked to the Paris terrorist incidents and although, it was not currently being treated as a hate crime, it is "one line of inquiry being looked at".

The insider told the Evening Times: "It was definitely a deliberate act and an investigation is underway to find exactly what happened.

"Obviously, the motive for the incident is key."

Police stressed no one was injured and the building is believed to have been empty when the vandals struck.

Chief Inspector Craig Smith, area commander for East Dunbartonshire, confirmed an investigation had been launched.

He said: "Officers are investigating a fire at Bishopbriggs Cultural Centre in Auchinairn Road, Bishopbriggs.

"Police and fire crews were alerted to the fire at around 2.20am on Tuesday November 17.

"The fire is being treated as wilful and a joint investigation between Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is now underway."

It comes after a Scots couple were violently assaulted by a gang outside their takeaway in Fife.

The man and woman were set upon by a group of around 15 people in the early hours of Sunday.

Anyone with information about the fire is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101.