English police have tonight arrested four people in connection with an arson attack on a family home in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, which left seven people dead, including five young sisters. Police launched the murder investigation after seven people died in an arson attack on a terraced house in the Birkby area of Huddersfield, West Yorkshire.
Five young sisters - aged between six months and 13 years - were among the victims who perished when fire tore through an Asian family's home. Two adults also died and two others were critically ill in hospital.
Detective Superintendent Bob Bridgestock, who is leading the investigation, said the incident was being treated as murder.
He told a news conference at the scene of the blaze in Osborne Road, that three, possibly four, youths had been seen throwing something against the property shortly before it burst into flames.
"Shortly before the fire started there was a sound of breaking glass," he said.
Mr Bridgestock said the house then burst into flames.
Emergency services arrived within minutes, but were unable to save members of the family.
Mr Bridgestock appealed to the community to come forward to help catch those responsible.
"This is an absolutely terrible fire that has devastated a family. I appeal to members of the community to come forward with information.
"Why should anyone want to target this family? We need to find the people responsible," he said.
PA