The owner of a shop targeted by arsonists fears the building might have to be demolished as a result of fire damage.

The village shop in Addingham was attacked twice in less than 48 hours earlier this month, with the second attack causing at least 60 per cent fire damage to the store and three-storey house attached to it.

Asama Javed, who owns the property, said she was playing a waiting game as police investigated the crimes and insurers processed the claim. But she believes the building could have to be pulled down due to the damage and its dangerous state.

“It’s just a waiting game to be honest,” said Mrs Javed, a solicitor who lives in Bradford.

“The building’s been condemned at the moment – it’s just that bad.

“Inside is gutted and whatever is left there is a danger it could collapse basically.

“So while the house and walls are standing, inside it looks unsalvageable.

“How long the insurance is going to take to sort out or what they’re going to sort out is a difficult thing. Ideally we’d like it up and running back to a house or shop as soon as possible.

“It is frustrating. It’s the not knowing.”

Mrs Javed, who owns the shop with husband Naveed Akhtar, said the incidents had caused her to be ill and she has been upset by some rumours about the fires.

“There are people who are going to be sceptical and there are people who are going to be supportive, but what hurts is how people can think when you’ve lost a livelihood and an investment for the future. "

A spokesman for the West Yorkshire Police said investigations into the arson attacks were “ongoing”.

Anyone who has any information about the attacks at about 7am on Tuesday, April 5, and about 1.30am on Thursday, April 7, should contact Detective Sergeant Steve Wedge at Airedale and North Bradford CID on 0845 6060606 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

  • Read the full story in Monday's T&A