DETECTIVES want four men seen with a four-wheel drive vehicle near York Crown Court on the night it was attacked by arsonists to come forward.

Detective Constable Trevor Dove, of York CID, said the four were seen by hotel staff in a burgundy or dark red Nissan or Ford Maverick in the Clifford's Tower area.

The men were spotted getting into the four-wheel drive car sometime between 2.30am and 3am last Monday, as emergency services were called to the blaze.

He said: "As a result of door-to-door inquiries we are trying to trace these men, so we can eliminate them from our investigation. Anyone who saw a vehicle answering this description, or the group of men, in the Castle car park area should call 0845 60 60 24 7 immediately."

Senior officers have already urged taxi drivers, late-night revellers and night shift workers who may have passed the courthouse to get in touch.

They also believe those responsible for the fire may have boasted of their exploits to friends, colleagues or family members.

Workmen have this week begun restoring the Grade I Listed Building, after the foyer area was deliberately set alight at about 2.40am.

Investigators believe 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 remain on police bail pending further inquiries.

Updated: 10:11 Tuesday, January 11, 2005