New plea to find killer arsonist

Flammable liquid was poured through the letter box

The family of a boy killed in an arson attack 10 years ago have made a fresh appeal for information on the eve of what would have been his 18th birthday.

Joe McCafferty died when flammable liquid was poured through the letter box of a house on Haywood Avenue in Marsh, Huddersfield, on 3 May 1997.

Joe, then aged seven, was staying with his aunt when the fire broke out in the early hours.

His family have said it is "now time" for his killer to come forward.

Joe's cousin Chantelle Cunningham, 22, escaped from the fire by jumping through a window with her mother and sister.

My little Joe was stolen in an horrific arson attack and taken from his family too soon. Nobody has the right to do that Chantelle Cunningham, Joe's cousin

She said: "For the first time since my house was set on fire 10 years ago, I am now able to accept what happened and knuckle down on nailing the person responsible for murdering my little Joe.

"It has been a long, agonising 10 years for me and my family. However, it is imperative we catch this cold-blooded murderer who we know is still out there.

"It is time for the person responsible to pay the price for what they have done.

"My little Joe was stolen in an horrific arson attack and taken from his family far too soon. Nobody has the right to do that and deserves to be caught.

"It would have been Joe's 18th birthday [on Tuesday]. I can't help think how Joe would be now if he was still here.

"He was full of life and gave me and my family so much joy. We will always miss and love him.

"A message from me to the person responsible - it is only a matter of time before you're caught."