Arson suspected at Halal food factory

A fire in the early hours of Monday morning broke out at one of Europe’s largest Halal certified poultry facilities.

No one was injured in the blaze but over 100 wooden pallets were damaged and many trees in the surrounding area were set alight. There were also fears that the fire would spread to lorries and trailers stored in the facility.

The fire follows the company’s recent acceptance for the British Retail Consortium, Global Food Standard accreditation. It’s clients include the NHS and HM prison Services.

A spokesperson said “Our strategy is to become one of the UK’s leading providers of chicken products, not only to the Halal market but also to the conventional chicken sector.  Gaining BRC accreditation is the key to unlocking the doors to blue chip food manufacturers and supermarkets.”

Police are studying CCTV footage to ascertain the cause of the fire but initial thoughts point to arson.