ARSONISTS are believed to be behind a blaze which destroyed a lorry next to a motorway junction.

The lorry was discovered burning fiercely at Hanging Wood Way in Cleckheaton at 2.30pm yesterday.

The road – a cul-de-sac at a business park – is next to junction 26 at Chain Bar and the blaze could clearly be seen by passing motorists.

Crew commander Ian Turner from Odsal fire station said: “There was thick black smoke and the lorry was on fire from one end to the other when we arrived.

“It took around 30 minutes to bring fully under control and damp down.

“The HGV had been left in a strange spot and looked more like it had been abandoned rather than parked.’’

The lorry and its contents – which appeared to be a load of catalogues – was totally destroyed.

The blaze was tackled by crews from Odsal and Cleckheaton.

Police are investigating.

Anyone who saw anything suspicious should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.