Ten fire crews are battling a major blaze in Leeds city centre.
The crews are working alongside the Hazardous Area Response Team, police and paramedics as a major operation is underway to bring the fire under control. The fire is in a derelict building - believed to be Grade II listed - on Cookridge Street and was first detected at 7.47pm.
A huge cordon is in place and many city centre restaurants and bars have been evacuated. One restaurant boss told LeedsLive that the fire has been raging for a few hours and they have lost about £3,000 after having to evacuate. Fire crews battling the flames confirmed that the huge cordon was put in place as the derelict building could be unsafe.
FOR THE LATEST FOLLOW OUR BLOG HERE
A West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue spokesman said: "Ten pumps are at the scene of the Leeds city centre derelict high rise fire.
"This is an ongoing incident. Top three floors still alight.
"Safety cordon in place and surrounding buildings have been evacuated due to potentially unsafe structure of the derelict building. West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service is working with West Yorkshire Police and Yorkshire Ambulance Service.
"The Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) is also in attendance."
They said crews from Leeds, Hunslet, Killinbeck, Odsal, Moortown, Morley and Rothwell are all involved in this major operation. The crews are being supported by aerial appliances and a command unit.
Read Next:
