Police were investigating today after an arson attack caused £500,000-worth of damage to a Manningham textile company.

The fire destroyed the yarn store at Star Textile Ltd in Priestman Street and firefighters struggled to contain the blaze.

Residents were advised to stay indoors and keep all windows and doors shut as police cordoned off the area from Drummond Road. At the height of the blaze, smoke drifted across Valley Parade as Bradford City played their game against Preston, and Lumb Lane was closed as thick black smoke made driving conditions difficult.

Eye witness Inam Shah said: "It was terrible. Flames were coming out of the roof and there was thick black smoke everywhere."

Gary Holmes, divisional fire officer, said: "The building was well alight when crews arrived. The building is an enclosed range of single- and two-storey buildings, some of which are unoccupied.'

"Fortunately, because there were people working on the site we were able to determine that no one was left inside the building.''

The fire was brought under control by 8.45pm, a job which was made difficult when a metal sheet roof dropped down onto burning material, making it difficult to put out.

Police today confirmed the fire was being treated as arson and was being investigated.

Loss assessor David Flatley, of Elliot King Claims Consultants, said the tenant's claim could be in excess of £500,000.