DETECTIVES are investigating after the landlord of an unoccupied house found the garage was being used to strip down a stolen car.

He called police after visiting the house, on Clayton Road, Bradford, which had been empty for a few months and found the remains of the vehicle, which police established had been stolen in a burglary at Thornton late last month.

Now officers are trying to trace those responsible, but have issued a warning to motorists who might be tempted to buy cheap second-hand car parts.

A spokesman said: "If you needs spare parts for your vehicle please use a reputable dealership/shop where you will be issued with a detailed receipt. "any second hand advertisement sites are being used to sell the stolen parts to innocent members of the public.

"It is advisable to pay that bit extra somewhere reputable rather than risk being the subject of a police enquiry if your vehicle is found to be fitted with stolen parts."

Anyone with information can call police on 101 or e-mail bradfordsouthnt@westyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.