Police are investigating a suspicious car fire which happened in Thornbury, Bradford, last night.

A fire crew from Bradford was called to a burning Mercedes-Benz hatchback in Thornbury Avenue at 11.25pm after residents reported a loud bang before flames engulfed the bonnet, engine and windscreen.

Locals at first attempted to tackle the blaze by throwing a washing-up bowl of water over the 14 plate A-Class Mercedes, before it was put out by the arriving firefighters, said an onlooker.

"I could see the orange light of the fire from down the road and went to have a look," he said.

"There was a crowd of people near the car when suddenly there was a large explosion and flames shot into the air.

"It was like something from a film with a 15ft high fireball above the car.

"The Mercedes was in between two other cars and it was only the speed of the firemen which stopped both of those going up too."

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said officers were called to the scene at 11.30pm by the fire service.

He added: "We are treating it as arson and investigations are continuing."

Any witnesses are asked to call 101, quoting log number 1888 of April 30. Alternatively, ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.