A mother of two was left homeless on the day of her father's funeral.

Arsonists set fire to Michelle Wainwright's semi-detached council home in Woodhouse Walk, Keighley, in the early hours of yesterday morning, as she slept at a neighbour's.

Her 61-year-old father David Wainwright's funeral was due to take place at Oakworth, at noon yesterday.

Police are investigating the blaze after firefighters from Keighley discovered that the fire had been deliberately started in the hallway and lounge.

"I can't believe this has happened. It's the day of my father's funeral - it couldn't get any worse," said 32-year-old Miss Wainwright.

"I've lost all my clothes and the fire has destroyed all my son's toys."

The downstairs was under renovation and she was sleeping next door at a friend's.

Her children, Robert, eight, and Claire, 14, were staying with her mother in Keighley.

She woke up at about 4am after hearing a noise next door and ran round to investigate.

"I went straight in the house. I didn't realise how bad it was. I filled a kettle and tried to put the fire it out.

"My leg went through the floorboards and I got scared and ran out," added Miss Wainwright who is nursing bruises on both shins.

Keighley Station Officer Paul Taylor said the fire was started deliberately after the house was broken into. "There were two seats of fire - one in the lounge and another in the stair well. The fire damage was not severe but there was a lot of smoke damage," he said.

Keighley police have been alerted and an investigation has been launched.