An arson attack on a derelict tannery near York has triggered renewed calls for its demolition.

The tannery, off Sheriff Hutton Road, in Strensall, has been a magnet for vandals and arsonists since it fell out of use in 2004.

On Thursday evening, it was once again set ablaze and flames swept through the building for what is believed to be the fifth time in three years, causing a smell of burning rubber to hang over the village.

Villagers said there were fed up with arsonists targeting the building and putting nearby residents in danger.

Strensall resident Joanne Pike said: "We've heard there are all sorts inside. People say there's asbestos in the roof and gas there as well.

"You don't want to be living next to something like that. It's very dangerous and we just want it demolished.

"Kids get into it all the time - they're always hanging about there and it can't be safe. Everyone in the village wants it to go."

Alec McKenzie, landlord at the nearby Ship Inn, described the building as an eye sore and said the smell of burning rubber from the tannery when it was on fire was "unbearable".

He said: "Everybody in the village has just had enough. I think it's been set alight about five times now and we just want rid of it."

The tannery is owned by Leeds-based tanning company Charles F Stead & Co Ltd, which was granted outline planning permission to put a large business park there in 2004, but a developer has not yet been found.

Managing director Peter Crack said they were aware of the concerns of residents, but had done everything they could to make the site secure.

He said: "It shouldn't be dangerous. All power has been taken off the site - the electric cables were actually stolen and we're removed the gas. All that's left is water and that's not going to harm anyone.

"We have had concrete blocks and fencing put up around the tannery to seal if off, but the problem is that kids vandalize it and pull it down.

"We have spent thousands of pounds over the years on repairing the damage and our funds are limited.

"We are doing our best, but I think parents also have a responsibility to keep their kids away from the site."

He said they were in discussions to find a developer for the site and hoped to agree a deal within the next 12 months.