Reward of £20,000 over boy killed in 1997 arson

A £20,000 reward is being offered for information about the death of a seven-year-old boy who died in a suspected arson attack almost 30 years ago.

Joe McCafferty was asleep at his aunt's house in Huddersfield when an accelerant was poured through the letterbox on 3 May 1997 and the home was set alight.

His aunt, cousins and older brother managed to escape, but Joe died from his injuries on the way to hospital.

"It is now 28 years since Joe's life was taken so cruelly and so suddenly, and we remain committed to finding those responsible so Joe's family can get the justice they deserve," a West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said.

The fresh police appeal is being backed by the Crimestoppers reward for anyone who provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of any person or persons linked to the incident.

Despite a major investigation resulting in arrests, no-one has ever been charged over the attack.

Speaking in September, Joe's mother Tracey McCafferty said "half of me died with Joe" on the night.

"I'm going to carry on until I find who has done this to my son," she said.

Her sons were staying at her sister's house in Haywood Avenue, Marsh, when the home was targeted.

Investigators later recovered a plastic container, labelled as having originally stored engine oil, which they believe was used to pour petrol into the house from outside.

"From the outset of this investigation we have firmly believed that the answers to this horrendous crime would be found in the Huddersfield area," Det Ch Insp Damian Roebuck said.

"Joe's family have waited a very long time to find out who was responsible for his death - if you can help to provide those answers then now is the time to come forward."

Police are yet to establish a clear motive for the attack on the property.

Gemma Gibbs, Crimestoppers regional manager, said: "Your courage to speak up can help bring justice for Joe and closure for his family after these long years.

"Remember, you can share what you know anonymously, and your voice can make a difference."

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