INVESTIGATIONS are continuing today into a suspected arson attack that wrecked an empty house and severely damaged a neighbouring property on a Bradford street.

An elderly woman had to be led to safety by family members after her home was damaged by the fierce fire that started in the house next door on Clipstone Street, West Bowling.

She was taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation, but later released after treatment.

Fire crews from Bradford and Odsal were called to the scene at around 2.30am yesterday.

Dave Burland, watch commander for the Bradford crew, said: “The first floor and the roof of the house have been destroyed.

“The fire has spread to adjoining properties, and one elderly lady was taken to hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation. The house was empty, and the cause of the fire is still under investigation.”

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police did not confirm that the fire was being treated as an arson attack, but police and fire investigation officers remained at the scene yesterday to continue their enquiries, alongside building control officers from Bradford Council.

The end-terrace house, situated near the junction with Little Cross Street, was said to have been empty for a number of months and had been due to go to sale at auction.

The area was cordoned off as fire crews used an aerial appliance to remove the few damaged tiles that remained on the roof of the house, which also had a number of blackened and smashed windows.

A relative of the injured woman, who was said to be in her 70s, said while she had been released from hospital, her house had been badly damaged and may not be liveable.

“I think it’s gone,” he said.

“The top room has been damaged, but no-one has been able to go inside yet as it is still too dangerous.”

Mohammed Nawaz Malik, who lives further down Clipstone Street, said he was alerted to the fire after hearing a “loud bang.”

He said: “We thought someone had crashed a car. I ran out and saw smoke everywhere. A lot of people were helping get the family out next door. I don’t know how it started, we didn’t see anyone running away.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting log 231.