Police are hunting arsonists who torched changing rooms on playing fields in Bradley, causing up to £30,000 damage.

And detectives believe the community could hold the key to tracing the culprits.

The blaze broke out at 2.45am on Thursday at the Kirklees Council-owned facilities off Wilton Avenue, on fields known locally as Bradley Rec.

Fire crews from Huddersfield and Brighouse were called to the scene and four firefighters in breathing apparatus tackled the blaze.

The building, which measured 20 metres by 10 metres, was completely destroyed and will likely have to be demolished.

Det Insp Ian Thornes, of Huddersfield CID, appealed for information and said: “We are treating the incident as arson and fully investigating the circumstances surrounding it.

“This will come as a huge blow to the community and it is estimated to have caused between £20,000 to £30,000 damage to the changing rooms. We urge anyone who has information to come forward.”

Mr Thornes said someone in the local community knew who was responsible and said: “Do you know anyone who came home smelling of smoke that night?

“We know that accelerant was used and that has a distinctive smell.

“This crime will undoubtedly have a detrimental impact on the community but the community could hold the key to tracing those responsible.”

A Kirklees Council spokesman confirmed the council had been made aware and was also investigating.

Anyone with information should call Huddersfield CID on 101.

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