A CONTROLLED explosion was carried out on a "suspect device" found at a Bradford restaurant.

Bomb disposal experts were called to the incident at Leeds Road yesterday after a device was found at Rajas Appetisers Delight take away, near the junction with Napier Road.

Fire crews had been called to the restaurant at 11.30am after reports of an overnight arson attack that led to what has been described as a "minor fire."

They found the device during a search of the building later in the afternoon.

Leeds Road was then cordoned off for much of the evening before a bomb disposal team carried out the controlled explosion.

The cordon was between Icestone Gelato, opposite the turning for Bradford Lane and the junction of Thornbury Road and Thornbury Street.

Fire crews remained at the scene to offer support until midnight.

Sajid Mahmood, from S&S Jewellers, said: "We were told by police to close the shop at around 5.15pm.

"It was quite scary, there were quite a few police here."

He said a bomb disposal robot was sent into the building to help dispose of the device, and the cordon was lifted at around 7.30pm.

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A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police today said: "Police are continuing enquiries following a small fire in a fast food premises in Leeds Road, Bradford.

"Officers attended after they were made aware of the blaze at Rajas Appetisers Delight by the fire service at 11.24am yesterday.

"A suspect device was found at the scene and a safety cordon was put in place around the immediate area, while Explosive Ordinance Disposal officers attended the scene."

"Following a controlled explosion by the EOD the cordon was lifted and roads were reopened.

"The fire is being treated as arson and anyone with information is asked to contact Bradford CID on 101, quoting crime reference 13170103637."

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