Police probe into arsonists with weapons after attack in Batley

The public plea from the police comes following criminal damage and arson on Gladwin Street, Batley, around 7pm on June 27, where three men got out of a white Seat Exeo car brandishing a golf club, hammer and hockey stick.

They damaged two windows in a property and damaged two vehicles parked outside, before pouring lighting fluid onto one of the vehicles and setting it on fire.

Detective Constable Chris Eglen, of Huddersfield CID, said: “We believe this to be a targeted attack and our enquiries are ongoing.

“A substantial amount of damage has been caused to the vehicles, on top of the damage to the house.”

A 26-year-old man was arrested in connection with the incident and has been bailed.

Batley West councillor and leader of Kirklees Council, Shabir Pandor, said: “I’ve been working with ward councillors and the Police to improve community safety in Batley.

“When I talk to local people, it’s clear that these kinds of incidents, though rare, understandably cause distress across our community.

“Local people have every right to feel safe so we need to clamp down hard on people who have no regard for the law or the well-being of other people.

“Those responsible for this kind of behaviour need to understand that we won’t tolerate it.

“I’ll continue to talk to police about how they can help us catch these thugs.

“I urge anyone who has information about this incident to come forward and tell the police.”

Detective Constable Eglen said: “I would ask for anyone with information or anyone who saw the white Seat Exeo car driving in the area to come forward.

“I would also appeal for anyone who recognises those pictured to get in contact.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact detectives at Huddersfield CID by using the 101 online chat service or by calling 101, quoting crime reference 13200321465.

For more information on the CCTV footage, visit: here.