AN ARSON-HIT firm has put up a £10,000 reward as it emerged that the blaze caused £200,000 of damage.

The attack at Mahmoods food factory in Duncombe Street, Bradford, on November 9 resulted in half of the roof being destroyed.

The fire started in a storage area of the open plan building which contained food and drinks for the firm’s network of takeaway shops in Bradford.

West Yorkshire Police are investigating the attack but so far no arrests have been made.

Announcing the reward for information which leads to conviction, Tariq Mahmood, 46, the majority shareholder of the business which was started in 2001, said: “Nobody deserves this.

"I would not wish anybody to be in my shoes after what has happened. I’m lost for words.

“It has caused no less than £200,000 of damage.

“The factory is more or less totally gutted.

“The smoke damage has destroyed everything. We have only been in this unit for the last four months. It’s lost everything. We are sitting ducks. We can’t do a great deal at the moment.

“We want to set a reward out for £10,000, which would lead to the successful prosecution of who has done this.

“Another attack like this would take us out of business.

“The factory is the heart of our business. If they take out our warehouse, they take us out totally.

“We are fully insured but that is the least of our concerns at the moment.”

Fire crews from Fairweather Green, Bradford, Idle, Shipley and Odsal stations were called to the fire shortly after 11pm on November 9.

It was the second attack on one of Mahmoods properties this year.

One of its takeaway stores on Great Horton Road, Bradford, was damaged in an arson attack on March 30.

The roof of the shop collapsed in what fire crews said was an extensive blaze.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said inquiries into both attacks were continuing and urged anyone with information to contact officers.

To do so, people should contact Bradford District CID on 101, quoting crime reference 13160572586 for Duncombe Street, or 13160135859 for Great Horton Road. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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