Harehills house targeted in arson attack
Police are investigating an incident of arson which occurred at a house in Harehills this morning.
At 3.43am today (16/7) police were contacted by the fire service who were attending Ashton Avenue where a sofa and a wooden pallet had been set on fire outside an unoccupied house.
A bottle that was believed to have contained flammable liquid was found at the scene.
Detective Inspector James Entwistle, of Leeds District CID, said: “We are treating this incident as arson and would like to hear from anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area around the time it occurred.
“The house that was targeted was empty and no-one was injured.
“We are aware of an incident on June 25 where a shotgun was discharged at the same address causing damage to the property but there is nothing at this stage to link this to the arson, although we are keeping an open mind.
“We recognise that this incident and other previous incidents in the area will cause understandable concern to people living there and we are working closely with our colleagues in the local neighbourhood policing team who are increasing their patrols to reassure the community.”
Anyone who witnessed anything suspicious or who has any information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact Leeds District CID via 101 quoting crime reference 13180348570 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111