(Image: Newsquest)
The fire service have revealed the cause behind a huge blaze at an old Bradford shopping centre.
The incident occurred at the derelict Oastler Market building, on John Street, on Saturday.
Emergency crews were called to the scene at 6.42pm and remained on site overnight and into Sunday morning.
What was the cause?
Firefighters at the scene of a blaze at the former Oastler Market on Saturday evening
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) confirmed that investigators were treating the fire as suspected arson.
A spokesperson said: “Fire investigators have recorded this fire as suspected deliberate ignition.”
What the fire service said this weekend
In an initial statement on Saturday evening, a spokesman for WYFRS said: "Firefighters are currently dealing with a fire at a derelict building on John Street, Bradford.
"Residents in the surrounding area are advised to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke coming from the incident.
"Please avoid the area where possible to help maintain access for emergency vehicles and crews attending the incident.
"Thank you for your cooperation."
The fire started in a unit inside the former market building, which closed in June 2025 as part of Bradford Council’s City Village regeneration scheme.
On Sunday, a spokesman for WYFRS said: "The fire affected a unit within the derelict building, which measures around 100m by 50m, with approximately 75 per cent of the unit damaged.
"Firefighters used three large jets, one hose reel and four breathing apparatus sets to tackle the flames.
"Crews from Bradford, Odsal, Shipley, Keighley, Illingworth and Spen Valley attended the incident, alongside an aerial ladder platform from Huddersfield and a number of specialist support units.
"The fire is now under control, however, crews remain in attendance damping down."
Specialist fire service units attended, including an aerial appliance, a technical rescue unit and a welfare unit.
Police vehicles were also at the scene, where officers put up a cordon.
History of the building
Oastler Market was a Bradford landmark, selling fresh produce, textiles and household goods for decades.
A major fire in 1977 led to significant renovations.
The centre was refurbished in 2002 before closing in 2025.
The closure was part of Bradford Council’s City Village plans to turn the area into a mixed-use neighbourhood.
The new Darley Street Market has replaced both the Oastler Centre and Kirkgate Market.
The former Oastler Centre is due to be demolished later in 2027 as part of City Village, a scheme planned to deliver around 1,000 homes across three city-centre sites.