Forensic team probes arson links

Monday's attack left the house in Prospect Grove badly damaged

Police investigating a fire in Shipley are trying to establish whether it is linked to a fatal arson attack nearby.

Firefighters rescued four people from a flat in Greenfield Avenue in the Owlet area of the town on Thursday morning. None of the occupants was injured.

On Monday, 36-year-old James Tomlin died in a fire at his home in Prospect Grove, less than a mile away. His partner and two children were injured.

Forensic scientists are trying to find any similarities between the two fires.

'Early days'

A West Yorkshire Police spokeswoman said: "Experts from the forensic science service at Wetherby are working with our officers at the Greenfield Avenue scene today.

"They should be able to establish quite quickly whether there are any similarities with the Prospect Grove fire.

"We are keeping an open mind as it is very early days in the investigation."

Later on Thursday, Mr Tomlin's partner Sonia Chadwick, who is heavily pregnant, is due to attend a news conference at Keighley police station to appeal for help in tracking down the arsonists who attacked her home.

It is believed her mother will read out a statement on her behalf as she can barely speak because of the effects of smoke inhalation.

Her two children, who escaped with minor injuries, are being cared for by relatives.