A MOTHER was woken when flames from burning wheelie bins reached her bedroom window and then cracked the glass.

She and her children escaped from the house in Denby Street, off White Abbey Road, Bradford, as the flames took hold just after 11pm on Saturday

The fire involved wheelie bins and some other household waste including an old mattress and the base of a bed. The cause is not known but police are understood to be involved in the investigation.

A fire service spokesman said the fire damaged the windows and doors as well as a neighbouring property and a Peugeot 308 car.

Residents in the neighbouring property also had to get out as the blaze got out of control.

The fire service spokeswoman urged householders not to place wheelie bins or other rubbish too close to properties.

"This was a shocking event for the family. The flames were up to the first floor window and it could have been worse.

"The mum saw the flames while everyone was in bed. Her window cracked so she looked out.

"We don't yet know whether it was an accident or deliberate."

She said the fire safety message was about the safe storage of rubbish.

"Make sure wheelie bins are far away from the house, so if they are set alight it is not going to involve the house."

A fire crew from Fairweather Green station tackled the blaze.