Businesses 'destroyed' in suspected arson - owner

The fire affected three businesses (pictured before the blaze) on St Johns Road in Birkby

A fire which left a florist and two other businesses seriously damaged is being treated as a suspected arson, police have said.

Emergency crews were called to the blaze at premises on St Johns Road in the Birkby area of Huddersfield shortly before 23:00 GMT on Tuesday.

No injuries were reported and officers were working alongside fire investigators to establish its cause, according to West Yorkshire Police.

In a post on social media, the owner of Kelly's Cafe, next door to the florist, said the fire had "destroyed" the three businesses on the row, with photos from the scene showing the building to be badly damaged.

The post continued: "After 13 years of hard graft we have lost the cafe and we now have to tell our staff that they no longer have jobs right before Christmas.

"I'd like to apologise to all our customers and thank you for your business over the years, it meant the world to me."

Staff at Dominoes Hair Designers, also located on the row of shops, said the business would be closed until further notice due to the fire.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said firefighters were still at the scene and an investigation into the cause of the incident would take place on Wednesday.

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