ARSONISTS have attacked the Co-op supermarket in Haxby, causing £20,000 damage.

The convenience store was closed today after fire broke out at the back of the building just after 9pm last night.

North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service described the attack as "malicious".

They said about a dozen large wooden pallets were piled up behind the shop's back entrance and set alight.

Fire spread into the storeroom, but was brought under control by firefighters.

Updated: 11:46 Tuesday, August 14, 2001