Police investigating a house fire near Skipton are appealing for witnesses and information.
Firefighters were alerted to the blaze at Gallaber Farm, Hellifield, at about 1.17am on Wednesday 16 June 2010.
The six-bedroom detached house, which was under development and unoccupied, was gutted in the fire.
Following enquiries by both fire investigators and a police forensic examination of the scene, the fire is currently being treated as suspicious.
Detective Sergeant Alan Browne, of Skipton CID, said: “It appears that the house has been entered during the early hours of Wednesday 16 June and deliberately set on fire.
“Thankfully the house is still 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 by what has happened and he is seeking justice if it turns out to be an act of arson.”
Police enquiries to determine the full circumstance surrounding the fire remain ongoing.
DS Browne said: “As part of the investigation, I am appealing for possible witnesses or anyone with information about the fire 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 on Tuesday 15 June and 3am on Wednesday 16 June.
“We believe that the culprit or culprits would have travelled to and from the property on either the A65 or the A682. So any sightings along these routes at the relevant time need to be reported to the police.”
If you can help the investigation please contact Skipton CID on 0845 60 60 24 7, quoting the reference number 12100097791.
Information can also be passed on anonymously by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
