Eye-witness interviews with neighbours Fazal Mohammed, Ashiq Ali, Mohammed Arshad, Iron Miah

A house fire in Bradford today has left two children dead and a woman in critical condition.

The blaze broke out at a house in Hendford Drive, Pollard Park, shortly after 12.30am.

A ten-year-old girl was pronounced dead at the scene and an eight-year-old boy was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at hospital.

The children were named locally as ten-year-old Aleena Shah, and her brother, Aman, eight.

Their mother, a 30-year-old woman, is receiving treatment to life threatening injuries at Pinderfields Hospital, Wakefield, after being transferred from Bradford Royal Infirmary.

A 21-year-old man has been arrested and is being held in police custody in connection with the blaze.

Scenes of crime officers were still at the scene today carrying out forensic investigations.

Detective Superintendent Bill Shackleton, who is leading the police inquiry, urged anyone with information about the cause of the blaze to contact police.

He said: "Two young children have lost their lives and it is crucial we establish how and why the fire started.

"I would particularly like to speak to anyone who may have information anyone buying petrol in small cans in the Bradford area either yesterday evening or into the early hours of this morning."

Anyone with information should contact West Yorkshire Police’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team on (01274) 376575 or text 07786200805 starting the message with the word FIRE.