Emergency services rushed to a suburban road near Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, at around 11.30pm to initial reports of an explosion. Police were seen searching inside the property with torches until the early hours and have now confirmed the blaze is being treated as arson.

       No one was hurt in the fire but severe damage has been caused to the property and to cars outside.

       A police cordon is still in place around the address, reports Yorkshire Live.

       Three fire crews attended the blaze, which horrified neighbours on the cul-de-sac near a pub.

       One neighbour said: "I heard it, after the explosion I stuck my head out the window and I saw the smoke above the house which blew away in about one minute.

       "I heard this woman running out and I heard a local male man."

       Police continue to investigate the fire.

       A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Constabulary said: "At 11.34pm yesterday (Wednesday), police received a concern for safety call following what was reported to be an explosion at a house in Dearne Fold, Huddersfield.

       "Emergency services attended the scene and found damage has been caused to the property and to cars outside.

       "No one was injured in the incident, which is currently being treated as arson, and enquiries are continuing."

       A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "We were called to reports of a domestic property fire at 11.40pm on December 8 at Dearne Fold in the Lindley area of Huddersfield.

       "Three crews attended (1 Rastrick, 2 Huddersfield) and extinguished the blaze.

       "There are no reports of any injuries.

       "This has been marked as a police incident."