Police appeal after stolen van explosion in Leeds
Police want to speak to five men after a stolen van exploded as it was being used in an attempted break-in in Leeds.
Emergency services were called after the white Ford Transit caught fire and exploded in a residential area of Alwoodley at 1805 GMT on Friday.
It is believed a fire started during an attempted-break in at premises on Nursery Lane, which then spread to the van causing it to explode.
Five men were seen close to the van but made off before police arrived.
Detectives said a man had been seen acting suspiciously in the area after the explosion.
He is described as white, 5ft 9in (1.75m) tall, aged between 35 and 40, with black hair and a heavy build.
Det Insp Richard Holmes, of North East Leeds CID, said: "This is an isolated incident during which some individuals were attempting to gain entry into a nearby premises when the equipment they were using caught fire.
"It is fortunate that no-one has been hurt and we are now appealing for help from the public to trace those responsible."