THE CAUSE of a flat fire early this morning is under investigation. 

Firefighters from Bradford and Odsal were called to reports of people trapped inside the building, in Defarge Court, West Bowling, at around 5.25am. 

Watch Commander Andy Flynn said the entrance to the ground floor flat's back door was on fire and the flat was heavily smoke logged.

Two men were in the building, but escaped through the front window with the assistance of firefighters. They were checked over at the scene, but are okay. 

Watch Commander Flynn said the plastic door has burnt away completely, and a wheelie bin has also been destroyed. 

He said the cause of the fire is under investigation, but that it appears to have been started deliberately. 

Smoke had to be cleared from a flat above and next door. 

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “Enquiries are ongoing into the cause of the fire and a crime of arson has been recorded for investigation.

“Anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area at around 5.20am today is asked to contact Bradford District CID on 101, quoting crime reference 13180545198, or by using the live chat facility on the West Yorkshire Police website.

“Information can also be reported anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”