Arson probe into second fire at pub

8:52pm Thursday 15th May 2008

Arsonists have struck at Saltaire's historic Boathouse pub only a month after it was wrecked in another blaze.

The riverside inn, which dates back to 1870 and was built by mill magnate Sir Titus Salt, was again targeted today.

Fire ripped through the roof, which then collapsed, while thick smoke billowed across Roberts Park.

Shipley firefighters spent more than half an hour putting out the flames shortly after 9.30am. A spokesman for West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said the blaze started in the kitchen and was being treated as suspicious.

Holly Thompson, a 29-year-old Australian, who had been visiting Saltaire, sent in pictures of the latest fire to the Telegraph & Argus.

Holly, who is staying with the family of boyfriend Rob Moore, 34, in Silsden, said: "The building was on fire and there was smoke billowing out of it and we saw the roof collapse."

Watch manager Howard Cleveland said: "It is suspicious and is being investigated."

The former pub was wrecked by fire in April, just as it was about to be sold.