Fashion website ASOS has said that a fire at its Barnsley distribution centre on Friday was started deliberately and that South Yorkshire Police are looking into it as part of a criminal investigation.

The fire broke out on Friday night just before 10pm, prompting a full evacuation of the premises, which holds around 70% of the company’s stock, and prompting the firm to temporarily suspend trading.

ASOS said that none of the technology, automation or structure of the building has been affected, but approximately 20% of the stock held at the site was damaged by either the fire or the sprinkler systems.