A reward has been offered by a supermarket chain for information about a suspected arson attack that gutted one of its stores.

Costcutter will pay up to £1,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the fire at one of its York stores.

PC Ian Murray, of York Police, said they are treating Tuesday night's blaze at the store in Dunnington as suspicious.

The fire also damaged neighbouring properties.

"We're making inquiries in the area and hoped news of this reward would stimulate people into coming forward with information," he said.

The police believe the fire spread from a wheeled bin that was set alight at about 10pm.

Divisional Officer Graham Buckle, of North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, warned of the dangers of setting light to dustbins.

"The potential consequences of their actions could be catastrophic - think seriously about what you are doing before you do it," he said.

"Deliberately started dustbin fires are very common and when we are dealing with them we are unable to deal with any real emergencies.

"It's rare that the fire will spread to a building, as it did in this case, but this shows that it can happen. Luckily nobody was hurt."

Anyone with information about the fire is asked to call York CID on (01904) 669353.