Arsonist who targeted Walton Club: CCTV images of suspect

Police say the suspect cycled to the club on Shay Lane just after 3.30am on Friday November 6 before starting a fire that badly damaged the main lounge bar.

A member of staff who lives in a flat above the club was woken by a smoke alarm sounding and escaped unharmed.

Detectives believe the suspect did a recce about two hours before starting the fire.

Police have released CCTV images and are keen to speak to anyone who may recognise the clothing or the bike pictured to come forward.

Officers are keen to see any CCTV, dashcam or ring doorbell footage from the area from around 1am to 4am on Friday morning.

Detective Inspector Steve Sayles of Wakefield CID said: “This is a serious incident whereby the local sports and social club has been deliberately targeted; the consequences of their actions could have been significantly worse.

“I am appealing directly to anyone who recognises the person, the clothing or the bike pictured to come forward.

“Our investigation shows that a person attended the location two hours prior to the fire and then returned at 3.40am.

“I’m keen to see any footage and speak to residents who live near the path that runs from Shay Lane to The golf club.”

A West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Three crews attended and used breathing apparatus and hose reels.”

A club committee member said the member of staff dialled 999 after seeing thick black smoke in the lounge bar.

The committee member said: "She has come down to investigate, opened one of the doors and saw thick black smoke in the lounge.”

"She was really shaken up by it. Quite distressed and emotional."

Dozens of volunteers helped with a clean-up effort at the club on Friday.

Anyone with information or footage is asked to contact police via 101 or use the live chat facility on our website at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/livechat quoting reference 13260631189

Information can always be given anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online