Detectives were today investigating suspected arson attacks on two flats in Shipley.

Firefighters were called to a ground floor flat at Leeds Road's junction with Woodend Crescent, Windhill, at 1.40am today after a passer-by spotted smoke and raised the alarm.

Station Officer Chris Booth said it was believed arsonists had smashed a window at the unoccupied flat before starting a fire in the living room.

He said two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus had put out the blaze which left the living room badly damaged.

Tenants from the rest of the block were evacuated.

Earlier, two crews from the same station were called to Valley Road, Shipley.

Staion Officer Booth said it was thought burning rubbish had been put through the letterbox of the ground-floor flat.

Smoke from the blaze activated a fire alarm and neighbouring tenants phoned the emergency services at midnight.

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said both fires were being investigated although it was too early to determine whether or not they were connected.