Canterbury Youth Centre fire was caused by arson attack

Fire crews from across West Yorkshire were called to the Canterbury Youth Centre on Arum Street around 8.30am on Monday (February 20) where they found smoke pouring from the roof before it erupted into flames.

Firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control by 11.30am, with crews on scene until nearly 1pm.

WYFRS said an investigation into the cause of the fire has revealed it to be arson.

West Yorkshire Police is now conducting a criminal investigation.

The fire damage was so severe the centre is now set to be demolished later this week, due to its instability and dangerous condition.

It had already been earmarked for demolition and the plan is to build a more modern youth centre in its place. 

"Bradford-based charity, One In A Million, is currently applying for money from the Government’s Community Ownership Fund," said a Bradford Council spokesperson.

"They have been invited to the second round of the bid process which closes at the end of February 2023.

“If they are successful in the bid, they will receive a grant of up to £250,000, for which they have match funding providing upwards of £500,000 to rebuild the facility on site. If successful, they will then submit a Community Asset Transfer (CAT) application for the land at Canterbury Youth Centre which the CAT team has agreed to support.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident or knows anything about it is asked to contact police via 101 or the 101 Live Chat on westyorkshire.police.uk/contactus quoting crime reference number 13230100238.

No arrests have yet been made.

Have you got a story for us? Email newsdesk@telegraphandargus.co.uk or contact us here, or WhatsApp us on 07720403052.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

Sign up to our newsletter to get updates sent straight to your inbox.

You can also call us on 01274 705292.