DETECTIVES are scouring court lists as they try to trace the arsonists responsible for a devastating attack on York Crown Court.

They believe those responsible for the arson may have recently appeared in the dock or could be due to be dealt with in coming weeks.

Senior officers have urged taxi drivers, late-night revellers and night shift workers, who may have been in the Clifford's Tower area in the early hours of Monday, to contact them.

Detective Sergeant Nigel Costello said the arsonists may well have given themselves away by asking for directions, acting suspiciously, or even boasting about their exploits.

He said: "This is the sort of crime where somebody is going to be absolutely delighted by what they have done and will want to tell other people about it.

"We are obviously trying to keep an open mind, but it would appear to be somebody who wants to disrupt the court or even wants to see it burned to the ground.

"It could be someone with a pending case who has gone with the intent of causing very serious damage to the premises.

"If anyone saw anyone around the crown court that morning they should contact me immediately on 0845 60 60 24 7 or Crimestoppers, for free and in confidence, on 0800 555 111."

Damage assessors have begun examining the Grade I listed building after the foyer area was deliberately set alight at about 2.40am.

Investigators believe that a window was broken and a lit object thrown inside. An accelerant, possibly petrol or lighter fuel, is thought to have been used. The results of forensic tests are still pending.

Cases due to take place this week have been transferred to Leeds Crown Court and it is not yet known how long the building will be out of action.

Two men arrested a few hours after the fire broke out in a nearby car park have been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Det Sgt Costello added that it is not thought anyone got into the building. He said the reception area was most affected, but other rooms suffered smoke damage.

Updated: 10:40 Thursday, January 06, 2005