An ambulance hit a lamppost and burst into flames while on an emergency call in Bradford early today.

The crash happened shortly after 2am in Toller Lane at the junction with Hanover Close.

No other vehicles were involved.

Firefighters from Fairweather Green tackled the blaze and the occupants of the ambulance, two crew members, a patient and a relative of the patient, were taken to Bradford Royal Infirmary for what police described as precautionary checks.

Police and another ambulance were called to the scene and the area was cordoned off for a time while the vehicle was recovered and the damaged lamppost was made safe.

The crash is not being investigated by police, said a spokesman.

A spokesman at Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust said it had started a probe into the cause of the crash.

“At the time of the collision the ambulance was transporting a patient (who was being accompanied by a relative) to hospital," the spokesman said.

“The crew members, patient and the patient’s relative were taken to Bradford Royal Infirmary as a precautionary measure.

“The circumstances of the incident are being looked into.”