Updated: Six escape from house blaze after arson attack

Firefighters were called to Moorlands Avenue West just before 2.30am.

A 60-year-old man suffered burns to his hands following the blaze.

Police believe a window in the front of the house was broken before a plastic container with liquid accelerant was thrown through. The fire caused damage to the front room of the property but fortunately, no-one else was hurt.

Kirklees CID want to speak to anyone who saw any suspicious behaviour on or near Moorlands Avenue around the time.

And specialist fire brigade investigators and police are on the street today to investigate the cause of the blaze and speak to witnesses.

Detective Sergeant Matt Hawker of Dewsbury CID, said: “This is a very serious incident in which a family home has been attacked, resulting in an injury to a man inside the property.

“It is no exaggeration to say this arson attack could easily have had potentially fatal consequences.

“Detectives have been working closely with specialist fire and forensic investigators at the scene and we are pursuing lines of enquiry.”

He added: “It is important we locate those responsible as soon as possible and I would ask any residents living nearby who saw suspicious behaviour in Moorlands Avenue shortly before the attack took place to contact us.

“Similarly, anyone who has information about those responsible is asked to contact Kirklees CID on 101 or CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Two engines from Dewsbury and a fire investigation officer attended the scene.

For the full story, see tomorrow’s Dewsbury Reporter