Man, 51, arrested and bailed following tyre fire

North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, and other agencies, have begun a joint investigation into the cause of the fire which saw 15,000 tonnes of old tyres go up in smoke at the Newgen recycling plant which was reported to the authorities just after 8.30am on Thursday.

Police said yesterday inquiries are in the early stages but confirmed a 51-year-old local man had been arrested.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said: “..we can confirm that a 51-year-old local man has been arrested in connection with the investigation. Following questioning he was released on police bail pending further inquiries.”

Firefighters are expected to remain on site for the next couple of weeks. Investigators said yesterday the fire was reducing in size and the smoke plume were now much lighter in colour and dispersing in the wind.

Residents in Sherburn in Elmet and the surrounding area are still advised to avoid any contact with the smoke by remaining indoors as much as possible and ensuring windows and doors are closed. Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should contact police on 101.