Leeds fire: Emergency services tackle huge blaze at city centre building

Firefighters have tackled a huge blaze at a multi-storey in Leeds city centre, with several nearby buildings evacuated.

The fire tore through the top three floors of the derelict building just after 7.45pm on Saturday.

Hours later, emergency services were still working to extinguish the flames and several nearby buildings were evacuated.

Ten fire engines were sent to the scene in Cookridge Street, near the city’s Millennium Square, and a safety cordon was put in place.

Crews have warned that the structure of the building is “potentially unsafe” and the local council has urged people to stay away from the area.

On Twitter, one person who filmed the blaze said fireworks had hit the building and “loud explosions” could be heard coming from the site.

West Yorkshire Fire Service said: “Firefighters continue to battle fire at city centre building and are working with West Yorkshire Police, Yorkshire Ambulance and the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART).

“Cordon is in place and local buildings evacuated.”

Leeds City Council’s chief executive Tom Riordan thanked the fire service for their work in tackling the blaze.

“Very many thanks for all you are doing with other emergency services teams and Leeds City Council colleagues to bring this under control and keep people safe,” he said.

The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed.