Another woman trapped in a flat above McColl's shop on a parade on Street Lane, Roundhay, Leeds, had to be rescued by firefighters shortly after 11pm.

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The 26-year-old was taken to hospital suffering the effects of smoke inhalation but was released in the early hours of today.

A major police investigation is underway to discover who started the blaze which badly damaged the shop and its basement where it is believed the fire was started. They want to speak to the woman spotted near to the scene of the attack.

Police Scenes of Crime officers were today making a detailed forensic examination of the damaged building while other officers carried out house-to-house inquiries in the area.

Detectives have also seized tapes from nearby closed-circuit TV security cameras and are combing the footage in a bid to identify the arsonist.

Det Insp Andy Knapton heading the investigation said that it was vital that the woman seen near to parade of shops was traced. She could hold vital information about the attack, he said. Anyone who witnessed any suspicious behaviour is urged to ring North East Leeds CID 0113 2020202

Firefighters had to risk entering the blazing building the rescue the tenant by thick smoke in her upstairs flat.

Crews from Moortown, Gipton and Stanks were called to the parade of shops which also contains an RSPCA charity shop and Ainsley's bakery next to McColls and has six flats above at 11pm.

All the other residents managed to flee the building after smoke began billowing from the basement beneath McColl's.

Five fire engines and an aerial platform were in use for several hours before the blaze was under control.

Staff at the Ainsley's were unable to open for business for businessl this morning.

Area manager Laura Wilson said much of their produce and packaging had to be thrown away and the interior of the building was extensively smoke-damaged.

Staff had to wear protective face masks as they worked to clear the mess.

The RSPCA charity shop on the other side of the post office was also cordoned off by police.

Back Devonshire Lane which runs behind the parade which contains around 20 businesses was completely cordoned off and guarded by a uniformed officer this morning.

Paul Ibbetson, watch manager at Moortown station, said: "The young lady was trapped in the flat above the shop and was in a lot of distress and there was no other option but for two firefighters to go inside and carry her out.

"Extensive damage has been caused to the businesses downstairs and it is possible that some of the properties may not be habitable."

One fire crew was still at the scene today along with West Yorkshire Police Scenes of Crime officers