Wreckers in a stolen 4x4 launched an all-out attack on a group of speed cameras early today.

The stolen Toyota 4x4 was rammed into the posts carrying the cameras in an attempt to knock them over.

The vehicle was badly damaged after hitting one camera in Otley Road, near Sycamore Close, Pollard Park, and then driven into a wall and set alight.

Firefighters from Bradford put out the blaze at 3am.

Other cameras, on Otley Road, between Undercliffe and Barkerend, had also been damaged overnight, although police today could not definitely say whether the incidents were linked.

Two cameras - one near to Welham Walk and another at Barkerend roundabout - had been almost flattened in what is thought to have been a deliberate attack.

There was considerable damage around the base of the cameras from the force of the impact. Police said today they had had no reports of an accident in the area.

One local resident, who did not want to be named, said: "It's a terrible road but the speed cameras had been welcomed by people here because they are slowing traffic down.

"You never used to see cars going this slow. I reckon this was someone doing target practice because you get idiots trying to jump the lights now and again."

A spokesman for the fire service said there was considerable damage to the vehicle consistent with it hitting the camera.

"There was no-one around when we arrived and the vehicle was well-alight."

Police confirmed the vehicle had been reported stolen in Leeds earlier in the evening.

Fixed speed cameras have been installed on more than 40 roads across the district and are managed by the West Yorkshire Casualty Reduction Partnership.