Scores of firefighters tackled a blaze at a derelict Bradford school - the latest in a string of attacks at the site.

Arsonists are thought to have started the fire which ripped through the second floor of the former Undercliffe Middle School.

About 50 firefighters were called to the Cliffe Road site at 1.40pm yesterday and found the already scorched and vandalised building well alight.

Divisional Officer Dave Wilkinson, of Bradford fire station, said: "Unfortunately, we have been called to this site two or three times before.

"This is the worst of the incidents to date."

Teams of firefighters wearing breathing apparatus were sent into the smoke-filled building while a hose from the force's aerial platform tackled the flames from above.

The large flat-roofed building was already little more than a shell, with virtually every window smashed, graffiti covering the walls and doors kicked through.

It is owned by the Leeds Roman Catholic Diocese which is the process of selling it to the Muslim Association of Bradford.

The group plans to move the existing Feversham College - Britain's first non-fee paying Muslim school - there in 18 months.

The Leeds Road site will switch to Swain House, Bradford, in September before making the permanent move to Cliffe Road.

John Grady, spokesman for Catholic Diocese, called the latest attack 'very saddening' and added: "The sale should have gone through this week but we have to go through all the legal procedures which can take time.

"Unfortunately these types of attacks are costing us a lot money.

"There is no reason why people should do this. Under the agreement the school building will be razed to the ground anyway."

And he said: "This type of thing is distressing for us, it is distressing for the Muslim Association and distressing for the people who live near by."

He said the diocese had worked "hand in hand" with the Muslim Association and fully supported the move.