Firefighters today praised a schoolboy for his bravery and "astounding" strength after he kicked down the door of a burning house.

Twelve-year-old Anthony Hands arrived at his mother's house in Lapage Street, Bradford Moor, at 5.45pm yesterday to find smoke covering the windows.

Fearing his mother Angela Harris was trapped inside, he managed to kick down the door.

After a search of the house he realised there was no-one in and called the fire brigade.

Leading firefighter Peter Lau, of Bradford Fire Station, said: "We are all astounded that he managed to break down the door.

"A few firemen would have struggled to get it open without the proper equipment."

Mr Lau said Mrs Harris had left the house with a pan still on the stove.

"Anthony arrived and saw smoke through the windows. He thought his mum was still in there.

"After a quick search he did the right thing by coming out and calling the fire brigade. The fire wasn't that bad, but there was plenty of smoke.

"Anthony did a brilliant job and we congratulate him," added Mr Lau.

l A youngster who clamped handcuffs around his ankles had to be freed by firefighters at his Bradford home.

The boy, who firefighters say was aged about five, was unable to free himself from the cuffs and a fire crew used a screwdriver to do the job. They were called to the house in Althorpe Grove in Idle at 7.49pm yesterday.

l A suspected faulty tumble drier is being blamed for a kitchen fire at a house in Killinghall Road, Bradford, yesterday.

Firefighters from Idle Fire Station went to the blaze at 6pm, which caused serious damage in the kitchen and some fire damage through the rest of the house. No-one was hurt.