An elderly church verger has been left "numb" after her car was destroyed in a fire attack.

Susan Laycock, 69, was woken by her neighbour in the early hours of the morning to find her car ablaze.

One crew from Idle fire station had been called to the sheltered accommodation where Ms Laycock lives to the fire, which had also damaged two other cars, a Suzuki Splash and a Peugeot 207.

Ms Laycock's 24-year-old Peugeot 205 was destroyed in the blaze, which had been given to her by one of her friends at Idle Holy Trinity Church.

She said she has been left feeling "numb" by the attack.

"I just think it's awful," she said.

"I am so cross, I do things with the church and help people in the community so it is an inconvenience.

"Thankfully I'm surrounded by a wonderful group of people at the church, my church family, who are supporting me.

"It is sad because the car had special meaning to me, it was given to me by a wonderful lady."

Ms Laycock, of Joseph Wright Court, Brighton Street, Thackley, said she was hoping to celebrate the car's 25th anniversary later this year, but she was thankful nobody was injured in the fire.

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said officers were investigating the incident as arson and criminal damage.

He added: "Police were called at 5.22am on Monday by the fire service to a report of a car fire in Brighton Street, Thackley.

"Officers attended and found the fire had burnt out a Peugeot car and caused damage to two other vehicles.

"CCTV has been recovered from the location and further enquiries are being made.

"Anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area at the time is asked to contact the Bradford East Area Neighbourhood Team on 101, quoting crime reference 13170080068.

"Information can also be reported anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111."

MORE TOP STORIES