Knottingley fire: Packed Bay Horse pub set alight in arson attack by men wearing Scream masks

Police are appealing for information to help find two men wearing Scream masks, who attempted to burn down a busy Yorkshire pub.

Officers, alongside West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, were called following reports the Bay Horse pub in Knottingley was on fire. Eyewitnesses said two men, who were both wearing 'Ghostface' masks used in the Scream franchise, entered the building on the evening of 18 August, with one of them pouring an accelerant down before setting the premises on fire.

Police said a number of people were in the public house at the time but all were able to get out of the premises uninjured. Firefighters eventually extinguished the fire and confirmed no-one remained inside after the blaze.

The first suspect is described as 5ft 8ins tall, of medium build, wearing a black jacket/hoodie and black tracksuit bottoms. The second person is described as taller than the other suspect, around 5ft 10ins to 6ft tall.

Detective Inspector Viv Segerius-Allick, of Wakefield District, said: "We are keen to speak to anyone who has witnessed this incident or who has information about who may be responsible. They have caused significant damage to this public house and put a number of lives at risk.

"We understand that people may have mobile footage of the aftermath of this incident and we would urge them to provide this to us to assist detectives in their ongoing enquiries.

"Anyone with information is asked to call Wakefield District CID via 101. Information can also be passed anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

"I would stress that incidents of this nature are extremely rare and we are treating the matter very seriously. We understand that this arson attack will cause some concern in the wider community and our neighbourhood teams will be carrying out increased reassurance patrols in the area over the coming days."