Reward offered to catch arsonists

Mrs Ho, 93, remains in a critical condition in hospital

A £5,000 reward has been offered to help detectives catch arsonists who left a 93-year-old Harrogate woman critically ill in hospital.

Mrs Yuen Har Ho remains in intensive care after being rescued from a burning ground floor flat in Newby Crescent on the Jennyfields estate last Saturday.

Investigators said the fire was started deliberately in an outside bin.

The reward is offered by Crimestoppers for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved.

Det Insp Heather Pearson, who is leading the investigation, said: "At this time the motive or circumstances surrounding the fire remains unclear.

"However, I am pursuing a number of lines of enquiry. A dedicated team of 20 officers are involved in the investigation supported by officers and PCSOs who are currently working within the community within the Jennyfields area.

"All information provided by the public will be treated seriously and all efforts to identify those involved are being rigorously pursued.

"I urge the public, in particular those within the local community, to come forward with information that will assist with the enquiry."

Earlier this week, the victim's son David Ho, 54, and 51-year-old daughter WaiHung Burrage urged witnesses to the attack to call police.

Detectives said Mrs Ho, who is originally from China, had lived in Harrogate for a number of years and was an established member of the community.

A mobile police station has been set up in Newby Crescent and people are being urged to call in to help the inquiry.