Arsonists are being blamed for a fire which gutted a house in Hellifield.

As reported in last week’s Craven Herald, firefighters were alerted to the blaze at Gallaber Farm at about 1.17am on Wednesday last week.

The six-bedroom detached house was under construction and unoccupied. After inquiries by fire investigators and a police forensic examination, the blaze is being treated as suspicious.

Detective Sergeant Alan Browne, of Skipton CID, said: “It appears the house has been entered during the early hours of Wednesday June 16 and deliberately set on fire.

“Thankfully the house was undergoing development so was empty at the time. Under different circumstances we could so easily have had a tragedy on our hands.

“However, the owner of the house is utterly devastated and is seeking justice if it turns out to be an act of arson.”

Police inquiries are continuing.

Det Supt Browne said: “As part of the investigation, I am appealing for possible witnesses or anyone with information to come forward as a matter of urgency.

“I am particularly interested in speaking to people who noticed any suspicious activity or vehicles in the Hellifield area between 11pm last Tuesday and 3am last Wednesday.

“We believe the culprit or culprits would have travelled to and from the property on the A65 or the A682. So any sightings along these routes at the relevant time need to be reported to the police.”

Call Skipton CID on 0845 6060 247, quoting reference 12100097791 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.