The owners of a Bradford shop today claimed yobs were putting the future of their business in jeopardy.

Diljit Singh and Joanne Wilson woke to find their car had been destroyed by fire outside their business Undercliffe General Stores.

Mr Singh said the blaze, believed to have been started by a firework, spread to the outside of their shop in Under-cliffe Lane, burning cables and protective shutters.

The 32-year-old said their Nissan Primera had been written off and the couple could not claim the full amount back on the insurance because of earlier claims.

"We've got three young children living in the flat here above the shop," he said. "If the car had exploded shattered glass and debris could have gone through their window and injured them."

He said although the shop, which sells newspapers, food and other items, opened only six months ago it had been targeted on several occasions.

"We can't cope with all these attacks," he said. "We had about £3,000 of stock taken in a burglary, including cigarettes and other stuff.

"In a separate attack, when we were open, a group came in claiming they were asylum seekers. When I was distracted one of them went in to the back and stole some stock.

"I am going to have to invest huge amounts of money in CCTV cameras."

Mr Singh said he did not think the attack was racially motivated but believed a gang was causing misery for the community.

"There is a little old lady in the area who I have to deliver stuff to because she doesn't dare come out of her house," he said. "People shouldn't have to live life like that."

He said it was thought a member of the public saw the blaze and phoned the fire brigade.

Miss Wilson, pictured, said the community needed a store like theirs.

"The customers have been fantastic", said the 30-year-old.

"They are all for this shop because they have to walk a long way for another service."

A police spokesman said: "We recognise concerns regarding vandalism and have a dedicated community beat officer, PC Richard Scanlon, who works in the Undercliffe area, as well as regular patrols in the area by officers. We are more than happy to speak to residents about their concerns and offer crime-prevention advice."

Officers who are investigating the arson attack, which took place between 9.30pm on Wednesday and 7.15am on Thursday, have appealed for anyone with information to contact Bradford North police on 0845 6060606.