Restaurant in Somerset after the Fire Service said the blaze was deliberately set.

Firefighters responded to the scene on Main Road on late Monday night to find smoke billowing from the two-storey Italian restaurant.

Owner Fosco Nannini earlier told The Royal Gazette someone was believed to have broken into the restaurant through a washroom window and poured a flammable substance on the floor. He estimated damage at $5,000.

Det. Insp. Randy Liverpool yesterday confirmed Police were investigating the fire, saying there were signs of a burglary and the use of a petroleum-like substance to ignite the fire.

He appealed to anyone with information to contact Somerset CID office at 234-0428, or Crimestoppers at 1-800-623-8477.

Mr. Nannini said he believed his insurance would cover all losses. The acoustic ceiling in the restaurant would need to be replaced, the walls repainted, and the carpet and blinds replaced, he said.

Police are investigating the firebombing of a Court Street apartment on Tuesday night.

The 33-year-old resident of the upper level apartment was was resting in bed around 8.30 p.m. when he heard the sound of glass breaking.

On investigation he discovered part of his kitchen window broken and on the floor he found the remains of a molotov cocktail.

Two more molotov cocktails were later discovered outside beneath a window. A fourth had landed some distance away.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Hamilton CID or call Crimestoppers at 1-800-623-8477.