“This is a serious incident whereby the local sports and social club has been deliberately targeted; the consequences of their actions could have been significantly worse”

Detectives are appealing for information after Walton Sports and Social Club in Wakefield was deliberately set on fire.

Police say at around 3.40am on Friday, November 6 on Shay Lane an unknown person on a bicycle arrived at the club and deliberately set it on fire.

No injuries were reported, but the occupant of the flat upstairs fled the scene after the fire alarm went off.

placeholder image — Walton Sports and Social Club. | Google

Detectives believe the suspect did a recce about two hours prior to the fire starting and are keen to speak to anyone who may recognise the clothing or the bike pictured to come forward.

Officers are keen to see any CCTV, dashcam or ring doorbell footage from the area from around 1am to 4am on Friday morning. (November 6)

Detective Inspector Steve Sayles of Wakefield CID said: “This is a serious incident whereby the local sports and social club has been deliberately targeted; the consequences of their actions could have been significantly worse.

“I am appealing directly to anyone who recognises the person, the clothing or the bike pictured to come forward.

“Our investigation shows that a person attended the location two hours prior to the fire and then returned at 3.40am.”

He added: “I’m keen to see any footage and speak to residents who live near the path that runs from Shay Lane to The Golf Club.”

Anyone with information or footage is asked to contact police via 101 or use the live chat facility at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/livechat quoting reference 13260631189

Information can always be given anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online