A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after two children died in a house fire in Bradford.

Fire crews were called to the house in Hendford Drive in the Pollard Park area of the city at about 0045 BST on Tuesday.

A 10-year-old girl died at the scene and an eight-year-old boy died shortly after arriving at hospital.

Police said a 21-year-old Bradford man was in police custody after he was arrested on suspicion of murder.

The children's 30-year-old mother remains in a critical condition at Pinderfield Hospital receiving treatment for life threatening injuries.

Post-mortem examinations on the children are to take place later.

The blaze was described as "severe" by the fire service.

Neighbours of the family tried to break into the house to rescue the children, but were unable to because of the intensity of the blaze.

Others carried buckets of water to try to help extinguish the flames.

It is thought the mother may have jumped from a window to escape from the fire.

Police and West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service are continuing their investigations.

They have appealed to get in touch with anyone who may have bought small amounts of petrol in cans in the area on either Monday evening or in the early hours of Tuesday.

Senior Investigating Officer Det Supt Bill Shackleton said: "I am continuing my appeal for anyone with information about the fire to come forward.

"It is essential we piece together what happened and how two young children lost their lives.

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

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