POLICE are investigating an arson attack on shop premises in Bradford, which a father says could have put the lives of his family in danger.

Dramatic CCTV footage appears to show one of the arsonists being engulfed in flames in a botched attempt to set fire to the building.

He jumps back on to the pavement before fleeing the scene with an accomplice.

It was the second similar attack on the premises in less than three weeks.

Basharat Mahmood, 45, who lives with his wife and two young children in a flat above the shop, in Great Horton Road, Great Horton, said they could have died.

Mr Mahmood, who owns the shop and flat with his brother Amjad, said they had been saved by a taxi driver and a passer by on their way to work, who put out the flames.

"Thank God for them. We could have been killed if they hadn't been there."

Mr Mahmood said the CCTV showed two men wearing hoodies outside the shop. One appears to pour petrol through the letter box in the shop shutters while the other is holding newspaper.

He said: "The guy tries to light it and it blows up in his face. He falls back to the pavement, then legs it down the road.

"Both have got hoodies on and you can't see their faces.

"Soon after, the taxi driver and the other passer by appear and put out the fire."

The CCTV was installed after the first incident on August 23. On that occasion petrol was poured through the same letter box and a newspaper set alight but the fire burned itself out on the stone steps leading to the shop door. The family slept through the incident but discovered scorch marks on the shutters and pavement the next morning. A wood panel inside the shutters was burned, and was further damaged in the second arson.

Mr Mahmood said: "The wood panel goes up to the flat above and if it had all burned all the way we could have been overcome by fumes in our beds.

"The two incidents are definitely connected. I have no idea why anyone would do this. We have no grievance with anybody."

Mr Mahmood has reported both incidents to police, who are to view the CCTV footage.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "Officers are currently investigating both incidents and will be speaking with the complainant.

"Anyone who has information on these incidents, which occurred overnight on 22 August and 10 September, is asked to contact Detective Constable 2608 Ashruff at Bradford District CID on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111."