ARSONISTS may be responsible for a fire that destroyed part of a detached bungalow in Helmsley.

Police and fire experts are investigating the cause of the blaze in The Limes yesterday evening.

A bedroom, hallway and part of the roof were damaged in the blaze.

Firefighters from Kirkbymoorside and Pickering were called to the scene shortly before 9pm.

They were reinforced by an aerial ladder platform.

After the blaze was put out a fire officer and police began investigating the cause.