An extensive inquiry has been ordered into the case of a 12-year-old autistic boy killed in an arson attack at his Keighley home.

The Serious Case Review will be carried out by Bradford Safeguarding Children Board into the circumstances that led to the death of Damian Clough in the blaze in Kinara Close, Keighley, in April last year.

A man and a youth charged with Damian’s manslaughter walked free last week after being found not guilty by a Bradford Crown Court jury.

Nasir Khan, 18, of Buxton Street, Keighley, was acquitted by jurors on the directions of the judge part-way through the trial. His 17-year-old co-accused, who cannot be named because of his age, was found not guilty by the jury after the trial resumed.

During the trial, the jury had been told that the defendants had blamed each other for starting the fire.

The judge, Mr Justice Treacy, told the court that the judicial system had not been able to satisfactorily identify who set fire to the house that night.

Bradford Safeguarding Children Board is an independent body made up of councillors, the police and health service personnel. It is led by Professor Nick Frost, of Leeds Metropolitan University, who specialises in social care.

The report, which is expected to be completed by the end of this month or early November, will be written by a second independent professional.

A version will be made publicly available.

Among the issues it is expected to address are complaints by Damian’s grandparents, Irene and Dennis Clough, of Keighley, that their concerns about his welfare before his death were not satisfactorily acted upon by social workers.

A spokesman for Bradford Council said: “The aim is to explore safeguards and lessons that can be learned from the case and how to reduce the likelihood of something like this happening again.”

Damian’s father, David Clough, 48, of Broomhill Avenue, Keighley, who separated from his son’s mother, Julie, 18 months before Damian’s death, said: “I understand that I will be able to see a version of the report and I will be making a decision then whether to take legal action.

“In the period from our separation to Damian’s death, I was never invited to a review of his care – I want some answers.”

Councillor Ralph Berry, executive member for children’s services and education, said the review had to await the outcome of the criminal case.

He said: “I’m sure the father will have a lot to say and he will get his chance.”

During the trial the jury heard that Damian had severe learning difficulties and his condition left him unable to react to danger. He had been alone in the house – his mother was at work – and he died from inhaling poisonous fumes.