A CCTV image of a man police want to speak to in connection with a fire at a flat in Brierfield has been released by police.

The fire was started at around 11.15am on New Year’s Day in the ground floor flat of sheltered housing in Vine Street.

The occupant, a 65-year-old man, was not in the property at the time.

The fire caused smoke damage to all the rooms.

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DC Lisa Bennett said: “The occupant of the flat was in respite care at the time where he was recovering after being admitted to hospital and this fire has caused a lot of damage to his home and belongings.

"We are keen to trace the man pictured in the CCTV image as we would like to speak to him about the incident and I would urge anyone who recognises him or knows who he is to contact us.”

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting crime reference EG1700027.