Arson attack that destroyed Dales home awaiting revamp could have led to tragedy

A SUSPECTED arson attack which destroyed a Dales farmhouse could have ended in tragedy, according to police who are appealing for witnesses.
By The Newsroom
Published 23rd Jun 2010, 00:11 BST
Updated 23rd Jun 2010, 00:11 BST

The six-bedroom detached property at Gallaber Farm, Hellifield, near Skipton, was targeted while it was standing empty for refurbishment.

An intruder entered the house in the early hours of last Wednesday and deliberately started a fire that left the building a burnt out shell.

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Firefighters were alerted when the alarm was raised at about 1.17am. Following a painstaking forensic examination, police yesterday revealed the blaze was being treated as suspicious.

Det Sgt Alan Browne, of Skipton CID, said: "It appears the house has been entered during the early hours of Wednesday 16 June and deliberately set on fire. Thankfully, the house is still undergoing development so was empty at the time. Under different circumstances we could so easily have had a tragedy on our hands.

"However, the owner of the house is utterly devastated by what has happened and he is seeking justice if it turns out to be an act of arson."

An investigation has been launched and police have appealed for possible witnesses or anyone with information about the fire to come forward as a matter of urgency.

Det Sgt Browne added: "I am particularly interested in speaking to people who noticed any suspicious activity between 11pm on Tuesday, June 15, and 3am on Wednesday, June 16.