Cabling fire 'started by thieves'

The cabling was exposed due to renovation work

A huge fire on a bridge may have been sparked by thieves trying to steal electrical cables to trade as scrap metal, police believe.

Firefighters battled to protect a gas main during the blaze on a temporary bridge in Stainland Road, near Salterhebble Hill, on Monday.

Officers believe people were trying to steal the cabling and other pipes for scrap when the fire broke out.

They have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

The cabling had been exposed while renovation works were being carried out.

Police have been visiting local scrap metal merchants to warn them not to take any scrap metal unless they could verify where it had come from.

Eleven occupants of barges moored on the River Calder had to leave their vessels and nearby roads were closed while the fire was put out.

Electricity to the nearby Copley area was cut off and a hazardous materials officer was called to the scene to monitor fumes being given off by the blaze.