A body has been found in the wreckage of a major fire that tore through a factory in West Yorkshire. West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service raced to the derelict building on Warwick Road in Batley in the early hours of Saturday, August 15. Police also attended the scene and later confirmed they had found cannabis at the address.
Police confirm body found at scene
West Yorkshire Police say work is ongoing to identify the deceased individual. Detective Chief Inspector James Entwistle, of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: "Our enquiries at the scene remain ongoing and, as part of those investigations, officers have sadly located a body within the building."
"I understand this development will be concerning for local residents and the wider community. I would like to reassure the public that a dedicated team of officers and specialist investigators are working diligently to establish the full circumstances surrounding the fire and determine exactly what has taken place."
Appeal for information
Det Ch Insp Entwistle said officers will provide further updates to the public as soon as it is in a position to do so, reports Yorkshire Live. "This remains a complex investigation and I would urge anyone who may have witnessed anything unusual, has information about the incident or location, or possesses CCTV, dashcam or mobile phone footage from the area, to contact us," he added.
"What may seem like a small piece of information could prove vital in helping us establish the facts." A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "Officers investigating a fire in Batley from earlier this week have sadly found a body."
Investigation ongoing
Police were alerted to reports of a large fire at a building on the corner of Warwick Road and Mount Street by West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service just after 3am on Saturday 15 August. The cause of fire has not yet been established, and a scene remains in place while enquiries are ongoing. Anyone with any information is urged to contact police on 101, or online here, quoting reference 13260464916. Any footage can be uploaded here. Alternatively, report anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.
