HOUSES were damaged after a suspected arson in a Barkerend alley overnight.

A crew from Bradford Fire Station was called to Heap Lane at 10pm after reports of a fire in an alley between back to back houses.

Furniture in the alley had been set on fire, and as the flames spread they destroyed the side door of one house and left three properties smoke logged.

After the fire had been dealt with firefighters cleared the debris from the alley and used ventilation fans to clear the houses of smoke.