A Bradford demolition boss says jobs are threatened after a blaze ripped through his offices.

Police are treating the fire at W&S Reidy in Scotchman Road, Heaton, as suspicious after two portable buildings were found ablaze. Everything was destroyed, including client files.

Demolition boss William Reidy, pictured, said it would take months for the firm to recover.

He said: "The fire has caused about £70,000 worth of damage.

"My main concern is getting my men back to work and keeping the business running. But jobs might be lost over this."

The business, which employs more than 20 men, had only recently moved from its premises in Garnett Street, Barkerend, to a new site in Heaton after a spate of vandalism and theft.

"We had just spent £50,000 kitting this place out after moving here a month ago. We'll have to start again now," said Mr Reidy.

He plans to improve security at the site by installing CCTV cameras.

"We thought these premises were more secure but it seems the perpetrators might have got in by removing one of the fence panels round the back."

Mr Reidy said computers, printers, a photocopier and a digital camera were stolen before the building was torched.

A £14,000 transit van parked outside was also caught in the blaze.

But it is the loss of sentimental items that has caused the most upset. Mr Reidy of Wrose, Shipley, said: "There were a number of things in the building that had a lot of meaning, such as a pen my son gave to me before he died. You can never replace things like that."

His son Edward died in 1991, aged 26, after taking his own life.

Mr Reidy has put up a £5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the arsonists.

A police spokesman said they were investigating the fire and the theft of computer and office equipment from the site.

"The incident is being treated as suspicious and we would ask any witnesses to contact Lawcroft House police station on (01274) 376259," he added.