POLICE came across a fire next to playing fields by chance and believe it was started by local youths. 

West Yorkshire Police's Batley and Spen Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) posted on its Facebook page about a multi-agency response to an anti-social behaviour incident on Friday evening.

Officers from the team were "carrying out routine patrols" in the Gomersal area when they came across a fire that had been lit next to some playing fields, according to a spokesperson for the NPT.

The fire service was contacted and the blaze was "quickly dealt with".

The NPT spokesperson said: "It is believed that local youths started the fire".

They added: "NPT officers regularly work in conjunction with the Fire Service to implement initiatives to divert young people from this type of behaviour, therefore any information could be vital to prevent further incidents and ensure those involved are dealt with."

Anyone who has information that might help the investigation, or about those involved, should contact the force on 101, or using the contact options on the West Yorkshire Police website.

You should quote log number 1426 of November 22.

You can also report anonymously to charity Crimestoppers online, or on: 0800 555 111.