Police appeal on the 21st anniversary of a fatal arson attack in Shipley
A 36-year old dad of three died from smoke inhalation in August 2005
Last updated 15th Aug 2026
Detectives from the Major Investigation Review Team in West Yorkshire are re-appealing for information more than two decades on after an arson attack killed a dad of three in Shipley.
James Tomlin was aged 36 when he died from smoke inhalation after his house was set on fire on Prospect Grove on 15 August 2005.
His pregnant fiancée and their two sons were rescued by firefighters.
On the 21st anniversary of his murder officers are re-appealing for information.
"The person responsible will have told someone"
Detective Inspector Steve King of the Major Investigation Review Team said:
“Twenty-one years may have passed but we remain committed to finding out who was responsible for his death.
“The pain and loss felt by his family will never go away and we as a police force will never give up.
“Friendships and loyalties change over the years, which mean people can come forward now who may not have been able to at the time.
“We still believe that the person responsible will have told someone what they did that night.
“Any information no matter how small could be key to getting answers and getting justice from James and his family.
"Unsolved cases are never closed and any new evidence will be reviewed by our team of investigators, who are now able to look at these cases with modern forensic technology.”
Anyone with information is asked to speak to the Major Investigation Review team via 101 or use the live chat options on the West Yorkshire Police website.
Information can always be given anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.