An arson investigation has been launched after a fire took hold at supported living accommodation for the elderly in Leeds.
Firefighters rushed to St Augustine's Court, in Harehills Place, Harehills, at 3.42am on Thursday (September 8) to tackle a blaze which had started on a sofa outside the porch entrance to the living complex. The fire spread to the building's roof before crews managed to put it out.
No one was hurt as a result of the fire. Now, West Yorkshire Police have confirmed officers have launched an arson investigation "due to the circumstances" of the blaze.
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A spokesperson for the force said: "At 3.42am today, police received a report of a fire at St Augustine’s Court, in Harehills Place, Leeds. Firefighters extinguished the fire and the residents were checked and found to be safe and well.
"Initial investigation indicated the fire started on a sofa outside the porch entrance to the elderly people’s supported living complex, with the fire spreading to the roof of the porch. The incident is being treated as a suspected arson due to the circumstances and detectives from Leeds District CID are continuing enquiries."
Anyone who witnessed anything suspicious around the time of the fire, or who has any relevant information, should call Leeds District CID on 101, quoting crime reference 13220495400.
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