A LARGE derelict building has gone up in flames shortly after children were seen playing inside last night.

Six fire engines were called to the major blaze at the disused Maccess cash-and-carry in Spen Lane, Gomersal, at 8pm.

Neighbours reported seeing children inside the building shortly before the fire, so four firefighters had to wear breathing apparatus to search for anyone inside, but the burning building was empty.

Fire crews said the blaze was confined mainly to the roof, and an aerial appliance from Bradford fire station helped to prevent the flames from engulfing the two-storey building.

Batley fire station watch commander Jonathan Brants said: "We surrounded it with four large jets but once the aerial appliance was set up, we attacked it from above, which prevented it from spreading to the rest of the building."

The fire was out by 9.30pm and its cause is under investigation.