Police investigating spate of arson attacks

Three cars were burnt out around the Firthcliffe Estate, in Liversedge, and another in Stanley Lane, by the border with Littletown.

The most recent attack took place at around 4am this morning (Tuesday) when a Vauxhall Astra was set alight in Firthcliffe Drive.

Firthcliffe Tenants and Resident Association chairman John Appleyard said: “I am extremely concerned, when I first heard last week of the arson attack on a car on Firthcliffe Road I hoped it was an isolated incident, but clearly it isn’t.

“I also heard yesterday of someone having all their car tyres slashed just off Halifax road, Liversedge.

“Apparently the arson attack on Firthcliffe lane happened about 4.30am, rumours going round claim its a young man, but the quicker the police make an arrest the better.”

A spokeswoman for West Yorkshire Police said: “We are investigating following a series of arson attacks on parked vehicles in Liversedge over the last week.

“The first incident happened on Tuesday April 14, when damage was caused to a Renault Megane parked in Firthcliffe Road.

“Damage was then caused to a Suzuki Swift, parked on a driveway in Stanley Lane on April 17, and a Vauxhall Astra, parked on the driveway of a property in Firthcliffe Lane overnight between Saturday April 18-Sunday April 19.

“The latest incident was reported shortly before 4.30am this morning (Tuesday April 21) when the engine was burnt out of a Vauxhall Astra parked in Firthcliffe Drive.

“Given the similarities and close proximity of these incidents we are linking them and are working with the fire service in investigating these offences.

“We believe these arson attacks have all happened during the early hours and would urge anyone who has seen anyone behaving suspiciously or who has information which could help our ongoing enquiries to call Batley & Spen Neighbourhood Policing Team on 101.”

Det Insp Mark Walker, of Kirklees CID, said police were conducting forensic enquiries on the vehicles and asked anyone who may have seen anyone behaving suspiciously or buying a unusually significant amount of petrol to contact him on 101.