AT least £20,000 of damage was caused to the indoor section of Huddersfield's Open Market off Northumberland Street in the town centre following a blaze in the early hours of this morning.
Huddersfield fire crews raced to the scene at 1.05am and initially had difficulty tackling the fire because the building is so well secured. They had to use machinery designed for dealing with road traffic accidents to gain access.
Watch commander Grahame Calcraft said three stacks of plastic crates left outside the roller shutters had been ignited by someone.
He said: "The flames got through the shutter doors and a window and spread to one of the shops - a delicatessen and another shop. £20,000 of damage has been caused and council staff are there trying to sort things out."
