Charity's work 'on hold' after arson attack

A fire which broke out at a food bank in West Yorkshire is being treated as arson, police have said.

Fire crews were called to the blaze at Bramwell's Hope, on Staincliffe Road in Westborough, Dewsbury, at about 04:45 GMT on Sunday.

The charity, which offers a food bank service as well as community youth projects and homeless support, has put its work on hold, which a spokesperson said was a "difficult decision".

West Yorkshire Police said it was alerted to the incident by the fire service and urged anyone with information to contact officers.

A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Two crews attended and discovered a fire which they extinguished using a hose reel.

"This has been recorded as a suspected deliberate ignition and passed to West Yorkshire Police."

Insp Liz Lockwood of Dewsbury Neighbourhood Policing Team said: "We have been conducting enquiries in the local area, but I would urge anyone with any information about the person or persons responsible or anything else which could assist our investigation to please get in contact."

In a statement, a Bramwell's Hope spokesperson said: "Because we cannot rule out this being targeted and premeditated, our absolute priority is the safety of our staff, volunteers, service users and local residents.

"Consequently, all projects are currently on hold while we follow professional safety advice.

"We urge the community to help us find those responsible: if you were in the Westborough area between 4:00am and 5:00am on Sunday 8 March, we need to hear from you."

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