Police are hunting two suspected arsonists after a blaze at a takeaway.
The Flame Hut in Church Street, Paddock, was badly damaged by the fire which tore through the premises at 2.10am on Sunday.
Investigations are still underway but it’s thought that a window was smashed at the takeaway before the blaze was started.
Det Insp Andy Leonard, of Huddersfield CID, said: “There was an arson at a Paddock takeaway in the early hours.
“It was closed at the time and we suspect that a window has been broken and then the fire started inside.
“We’re not sure how the fire started but a witness has reported seeing two men running away from the scene.
“Our investigation is still continuing and we would like to hear from anyone with information to contact us.
“It’s a main thoroughfare so people may have been on their way home from socialising, taxi drivers may have been driving about the area and people living nearby may have seen something that can help us.”
Det Insp Leonard added: “There will be extra patrols in the area to provide reassurance to people living in the area.”
The shop has been left badly damaged but the fire didn’t spread to neighbouring shops.
However, it is thought graffiti was left on the shop and a neighbouring shop. It was being cleaned off on Sunday.
Resident Lee Heighton, who lives nearby, said: “There’s been a few incidents round here lately, but the fire service were quick to deal with it and the police were reassuring people.
“There was a lot of disturbance, but at least everyone is ok, that’s all that really matters.”
Huddersfield and Elland fire crews used breathing apparatus to tackle the blaze. The cause remains under investigation.
Witnesses or anyone with information can contact Huddersfield CID on 101.
In unrelated investigations, police would like to speak to the people pictured in the image gallery below. The people pictured in the images may be witnesses as well as suspects. If you recognise anyone, contact police on 101 quoting the reference number on the image caption.
