Deliberate fire at Pontefract flats
Police have called the arson attack "reckless and dangerous"
Last updated 2nd Aug 2025
A fire that broke out at a block of flats in Pontefract, is believed to have been started deliberately.
Emergency services were called to Micklegate House on Horsefair shortly after 3pm on Thursday afternoon (1 August), where a fire had broken out in a communal bin store area.
All residents were safely evacuated from the building, and no injuries have been reported.
As a precaution, Northern Gas engineers attended the scene to deal with a gas leak and ensure the site was made safe.
Initial investigations suggest the fire was started intentionally, and police are now urging anyone with information or relevant CCTV or phone footage to come forward.
Detective Inspector Steven Sayles of Wakefield CID said: “We are carrying out several enquiries into this fire which we are now treating as arson.
“This was a reckless and dangerous act and it’s lucky that no one was hurt.
“We are appealing for anyone who was in the area yesterday afternoon who may have seen anything suspicious to come forward.”