This narrow boat moored in Riddlesden was left severely damaged after it became engulfed in flames in the early hours of Tuesday.

Firefighters arrived on the scene in Granby Lane, Riddlesden, to find the red and green boat - named The Maverick - completely alight. Men with breathing apparatus were sent in to deal with the fire, which is believed to have been started deliberately. An engine from Bingley was also sent to the canal as back-up.

The owners of the narrow boat, Gerald and Beryl Bawcombe, who live in Riddlesden and run a free-range egg business, say they are devastated.

"That boat had a lot of accoutrements which made it very comfortable to sail in," Mr Bawcombe told us. "We went all over the country on it and I spent a lot of time and effort on it, repairing and modifying it so it was just how I wanted it. The boat became like a trusted old friend and will be much missed.

"It's a real tragedy when someone thinks he or she has the right to trash something that's yours."

The boat was bought by the Bawcombes in 1985. They have no plans to replace it. "Our enthusiasm for boats has been snatched away," adds Mr Bawcombe.

It is believed the fire was started on the front deck of the boat.

Geoff Shrimpton, pictured right, landlord of the nearby Marquis of Granby pub, witnessed the incident, which happened at 4.30am. "My family and I woke up to the sound of fire engines and police sirens," he told us. "I looked out of the window and saw the boat on fire, two fire engines, policemen and an ambulance. There was one engine each side of the canal. The boat was then pushed up against the bridge. There was a lot of smoke.

"I helped the police contact the owners of the boat and confirmed that no one was on board as they thought there was someone inside."

Later on that morning, Mr Shrimpton noticed that his car had been tampered with - the aerial was missing, a back tyre had been let down and a headlight protector pulled off. The police were informed.

Joan Oldfield, who runs the William Oldfield & Co Coal Merchants, next to the Marquis of Granby, was horrified to hear about the fire. She said: "It's an absolute disgrace and a real shame."

The owners of the boat are Mr and Mrs Bawcombe, of Banks Lane, Riddlesden. They were unavailable for comment.

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