Police investigate gas scare fire

Fire crews worked to cool the cylinders after the van fire

A fire that forced one thousand people out of their homes in West Yorkshire, was started deliberately, police said.

About 500 homes in Bradford were evacuated on Saturday amid fears of an explosion after flames spread from a van fire to gas cylinders.

Several roads in the Laisterdyke area of the city were cleared including Leeds Road, Barkerend Road and Lapage street as a safety precaution.

Some people had to spend the night sheltering in community buildings.

Residents were allowed back into their homes on Sunday morning.

Insp Gail Lawrie, from Bradford police, said: "This was a potentially a very dangerous situation and caused a great deal of upset and distress to people living in the area."

Police have appealed for anyone with any information about the incident to contact them.