Family firm's appeal to the community after van torched in arson attack

Reg Greenwoods tyre and vehicle repair firm, based on Knottingley Road, is asking for help in identifying the person who set fire to one of their vans at the weekend.

The arsonist struck between 4.30am and 5.30am on Sunday, October 4, on Verner Street in Featherstone.

Jake Clarke, from Reg Greenwoods, said: "It was very lucky our technician thought on his feet and didn't open the side doors of the van whilst it was on fire otherwise the rush of oxygen would have made the damage 10 times worse.

"There is also a compressor on board that is full of compressed air. Should this have exploded as a result of the fire, it's unthinkable what damage could have been done to the surrounding houses.

"It obviously leaves us with costly damage to the interior and exterior of the van and also means it's off road until repaired.

"This has resulted in downtime that then has an effect on out customers that we provide for."

Mr Clarke said they believe whoever is responsible may have ran off down a pathway that leads onto Huntwick Road.

"If anyone along that street has CCTV, that would be a huge help," Jake said.

A spokeswoman for West Yorkshire Police said: "We are investigating an arson on Verner Street sometime between 5.15am and 5.30am on October 4.

"Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting crime reference 13200496499."