Police are investigating an arson attack in which four cars were at what councillors believe is an illegal scrapyard situated behind a former Bradford pub.

Fire crews from Fairweather Green, who were called to the old Reservoir pub in Allerton Road at 10.30pm on Saturday, found the vehicles had been deliberately set ablaze.

One resident, who lives opposite the yard, raised the alarm when she noticed a car parked in the side entrance was on fire.

She said: “I saw a bright light outside, and when I opened the curtains I just saw fire, so I called 999. We could hear explosions as the windows in the car smashed. The police told us later that the owners were there but weren’t aware that the cars were on fire.”

Another neighbour said they had seen a group of teenagers on bikes near the site at about 10pm on Saturday – half an hour before the fire broke out.

The Telegraph & Argus reported in June that Bradford Council planning enforcement officers were looking to take action against the owner of the building to have up to 20 vehicles removed from the site as they were being stored there without permission.

In April, the Environment Agency confirmed it was investigating whether the property, situated on the junction with Rhodesway, was being used as an unlicensed breaker’s yard.

There were more than 50 cars on the site yesterday, but no sign of the owners. The three Labour councillors for Clayton and Fairweather Green, Michelle Swallow, Carol Thirkill and Sinead Engel, have been campaigning since April for an enforcement action to remove the vehicles.

Coun Swallow said: “We understand how frustrating it may seem to be to have to wait for lengthy legal processes to be followed, but people should not be taking the law into their own hands. We would ask that anyone who has any information about the arson attack to please contact the police.”

Coun Engel, who confirmed she has submitted a question to full council on the matter, said that the issue had been complicated further by an appeal being made and ownership of the building changing hands.

She added: “I am utterly unimpressed with the arson attack.

“Whether or not there was any ulterior motive, it is a horrendous thing to do.”

West Yorkshire Police carried out door-to-door inquiries in the area yesterday and a spokesman confirmed that an investigation into the attack was continuing.