POLICE investigating a suspected arson attack at a house in Keighley have issued security camera footage of a person they want to speak to.

SEVEN people including four children had to flee their Scott Street home in the early hours of the morning last week during the attack.

Three fire crews were alerted to the house fire at 1.45am last Thursday. (May 18) Police said the blaze could easily have resulted in someone being killed.

Commenting this morning, a West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "We have released an image of someone we'd like to speak to.

"The image appears to show a woman wearing light coloured clothing.

"She was seen in the area around the time of the attack, which happened at about 1am in Scott Street last Thursday.

"Officers are keen to trace this person, as they believe they may have vital information about the incident."

Investigating officer detective constable Cressida Jewell, of Bradford District CID, said: "This was a terrifying incident which could have had far more serious consequences for the three adults and four children who were in the property at the time.

"We believe this person to be local, as she is seen walking in the area.

"I'm urging anyone who recognises this image, or who may have seen this person on the night to come forward and speak with our detectives.

"Anyone else who can assist this investigation can contact Bradford District CID on 101, quoting crime reference 13170223726.

"Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111."

The image issued by police shows the woman at the bottom of Albert Street, close to the Wetherspoons pub.

Firefighters from Keighley, Bingley and Silsden attended the fire at the mid-terrace house last week.

Keighley fire chief commander Ned Andrews said: "Four children and two adults were making their way out of a back door when we arrived.

"We had to force our way in and upstairs we rescued one man who was trapped in a room on the first floor.

"He was leaning out of a smashed window to get fresh air.

"He was conscious and was on the phone to our control staff who were giving him advice on how to stay safe.

"The man and the people who'd made their own way out were all taken to Airedale Hospital, which is standard procedure.

"The fire had started in the front door area of the house, which is being treated as a suspected crime scene.

"When we left at about 3.30am or 4am our fire investigator and the police were still there.

"Most of the heat and smoke damage was restricted to the front door, but the rest of the house was heavily smoke logged.

"There were working smoke alarms in the house and we believe it was those that woke up the house's occupants. It once again shows how important these alarms are for saving lives."

No one was present at the house yesterday afternoon. (May 22)

The building's damaged front door was boarded up and a first floor window was shattered.

Neighbouring resident Yasser Siddique said he was shocked when he heard emergency services arriving early in the morning last Thursday.

"We tried to come outside, but the police told us to go back in because they'd cordoned everything off," he said.

"I saw the ambulance staff treating one person, and there was broken glass on the road.

"The police and fire engines were here for a long time."

He said he understood the family that live in the house are of Eastern European origin.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "Seven people, including three adults and four children, were evacuated from the premises and treated for smoke inhalation.

"The matter is being treated as an arson by police, and enquiries to determine the cause are ongoing by Bradford District CID and fire service investigators."

Detective inspector Stuart Lyons, of Bradford CID, said: "We're treating this incident very seriously. It was understandably very frightening for all those involved.

"The people within the house were very fortunate to escape without any serious injuries. This could have had a much more tragic ending.

"We have increased police patrols in the area to reassure the local community and our enquiries are very much ongoing."

Anyone who has information about how the fire may have started is asked to contact Bradford District CID on 101, or the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555111.