Community leaders have expressed concern about the safety of a row of derelict houses after firefighters tackling a blaze in one of them found a homeless man hiding in the cellar.

The man, believed to be in his 20s, was led to safety from the bricked-up terraced property in New Lane, Laisterdyke, Bradford, but then fled.

A member of the public spotted smoke billowing out of where the roof had once been at about 6am yesterday.

Rodger Binns, watch manager at Bradford Fire Station, said it was not the first time fire crews had been called out to the properties in New Lane.

He said: “They are a danger for firefighters having to go in there. There are holes where floors should be. They are bricked up and we’re surprised we found anyone in there yesterday but obviously way-ins are possible. They are a danger and should be pulled down really.

“We don’t know who they belong to. I suppose whoever owns them has plans for rebuilding them but we will be investigating.”

Telegraph & Argus reports of fires in the New Lane row date back to 2006 when another homeless man had a rude awakening.

He had fallen asleep after using candles to light the house and only woke and wandered out when firefighters arrived.

Ward councillors have said they share firefighters’ concerns and want to see action taken over the empty properties.

Councillor Mohammed Shafiq (Lab) said: “They are not just an eyesore but they are also a significant risk to vulnerable people seeking shelter there and to firefighters serving the community. We need to talk to the owner and see what can be done.”

Councillor Ghazanfer Khaliq (Lab) said: “We need to take every step to make these properties safe. The best way would be able to turn them back into habitable homes, there’s a shortage in this area. If the owner contacts us maybe we can help.”