FIREFIGHTERS stopped a blaze in Bradford causing serious damage to buildings after it spread from a van.

Crews from Bradford, Fairweather Green and Shipley stations were called to an alley between Little Lane and Duckworth Grove, Toller Lane, at about 4am.

The fire damaged a soffit and window on a nearby building before crews put it out.

A fire service spokesman said an engine fault in the van sparked the blaze, and added: "It licked up against a couple of buildings. We stopped it causing more damage."