Police launch urgent appeal after youths deliberately start fire at former college in West Yorkshire

The Huddersfield Neighbourhood Policing Team would like to speak to anyone who has information about youths starting a fire at a former college building on Trinity Street on the afternoon of Wednesday, February 26.

Security has now been increased at the site, including the provision of dog patrols, and police are working with owners to investigate the incident.

Officers were called by the fire service to reports of a fire at about 2.31pm on Wednesday.

No one was present on police arrival a few minutes later and enquiries established the fire had been started deliberately.

A crime of arson has been recorded and officers are investigating reports that persons were on site prior to the fire being started.

Inspector Graham Dyson of the Huddersfield Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We are carrying out a number of enquiries regarding two recent fires set at the former college site on Trinity Street by persons who had broken into the premises.

“Those responsible have acted in a manner which can only be described as idiotic and dangerous, and have put both themselves and responding emergency services at potential risk.

“We are working closely with the site owners who have increased security and put dog patrols in place.

“I would ask anyone who has information about the incident on Wednesday or anyone with information on antisocial behaviour or crimes being committed in the former college site to contact police on 101 referencing crime number 13200103455.”

Information can also be given online at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat or anonymously to the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.