FIREFIGHTERS tackled a blaze at a former care home in Bradford earlier today. 

Four fire engines- including two from Bradford, one from Odsal and another from Shipley, were called to the old Holme View care home, on Mead View, at around 12.20pm.

Breathing apparatus, hose reels and positive pressure ventilation fans were used at the scene.

Watch Commander Hargreaves, from Odsal Fire Station, said when firefighters arrived smoke was coming from the first floor of the building.

He said there was some difficulty in gaining access due to metal shutters over doors and windows, but firefighters did manage to get in and get on top of the fire to stop it from escalating. 

The fire is being treated as a "suspected malicious ignition".

Firefighters left the scene at around 1.30pm. 

The former Council-run care home failed to sell at auction for a second time last month. 

Bradford Council closed Holme View, which used to provide housing for people with dementia, in 2017 saying it would have cost £1m to bring the two storey home up to scratch with modern standards.

The Council sold the 37-bed building in 2018, with local politicians saying they hoped the site would be bought by a housing developer.

The building was first listed at a Pugh property auction in August with a guide price of £325,000, but failed to sell.

It once again went under the hammer in October, with a guide price of £325,000.