FIRE crews have spent the night battling a suspected arson at a disused mill in Bradford.

Emergency services were called to the blaze at the former base of Sunrise Radio in Chapel Street, Little Germany, at 11.44pm - when firefighters were on strike.

Two support crews initially attended, with eight crews following after the walkout ended.

Fire crews from ten stations, including Bradford, Fairweather Green, Idle and Cleckheaton were among those who attended the incident overnight and this morning. They are expected to be there throughout the day.

Neighbouring flats to the five-storey mill were evacuated as a precaution last night, though no-one suffered any injuries or smoke inhalation.

Part of Leeds Road was closed to allow fire crews to get to the scene.

The fire investigation team is expected back at the scene this morning.

Watch Commander Mark Rogerson, of Bradford Fire Station, said: “It was a reasonably bad fire.

“When we got there we thought it was at the rear of the building but when we got there it was inside the building.

“The construction from inside the building was insulated for sound.

“It was clear the fire continued quite well inside a couple of rooms on the ground floor. The fire crews stopped it spreading any further.

“Some crews will be at the scene for most of the day damping down.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “The fire is being treated as arson. Chapel Street remains closed this morning.”