Security guards are to patrol deserted flats until they are demolished, after being constantly targeted by arsonists.

Firefighters have been called out several times during the past week to put out fires in the blocks of three-storey flats in Ridings Way, Buttershaw, and fear both they and the young arsonists are in real danger from the flames.

Odsal firefighters were plagued with calls to the flats during the weekend.

Leading firefighter Steve Cawood, whose shift was called out at 12.30am yesterday, said: "It is several times a day or night now. The buildings are unstable and it is putting crews' lives at risk.

"They must stop doing this before somebody gets hurt. These places are not playgrounds."

Another Odsal crew was at the flats at 5.30pm on Saturday, again yesterday mid-morning to survey the damage, and were called out to another fire at 5.30pm yesterday.

Concern from elderly residents in nearby Anchor Housing Association housing has prompted action from Bradford Council.

Councillors have called for parents in the area to make sure they know where their children are at night and drum into them the danger of sneaking into the flats, made famous in the 1980s movie Rita, Sue and Bob, Too.

They were ear-marked for demolition more than a year ago.

Councillor Kris Hopkins (Con, Worth Valley), who holds the portfolio for housing, said: "A security firm with dogs were to begin protecting the site from last night. I have no idea how much this will cost, but as long as the elderly residents nearby are safe it is worthwhile." The flats have been empty for months.

Retired Derek Conway, who lives behind one block of the eyesore flats which has had its roof burnt off, believes Bradford Council should knock them down immediately.

He said: "It is such a nuisance. We know kids are getting inside them and setting them on fire. They strip everything out of the flats, then set them on fire."

Ward councillor Keith Thomson (Lab, Wibsey) was confident the security measures would protect the buildings from further attacks.

He added: "Three firms are demolishing these flats but I will find out if we can speed it up

"They could not be demolished earlier because Yorkshire Electricity took longer than we expected to disconnect their services