Residents in Holbeck have spoken of their fright after a huge blaze and thick smoke cloud appeared over their homes on Tuesday evening.
Firefighters from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) were called to Shafton Lane at around 6pm yesterday following reports of a major fire at the end of the street. Six fire engines were spotted at the scene and the street was cordoned off by West Yorkshire Police (WYP) officers who later guarded the area.
Concerned residents were seen standing behind the police tape looking onto the scene. A duty inspector for WYP confirmed the incident was still ongoing around 9pm last night, and residents reported emergency services remained in the area throughout the night.
Read more: Live updates as fire crews continue to battle major blaze in Shafton Lane Holbeck
Although the fire has now been contained, an investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing. Residents nearby are advised to keep doors and windows closed due to large amount of smoke in the area.
Video footage shows a thick smoke cloud parading throughout the residential area. On Wednesday morning WYFRS confirmed that crews remained at the scene over night and now one crew from Hunslet remains in the area.
A fire service spokesman said: "Six fire appliances are in attendance at a commercial building fire in Shafton Lane, Holbeck, Leeds. Building 10m x 30m, 70% involved in fire.
"Crews are using two breathing apparatus, one large jet and one hose reel to tackle the fire. Residents nearby are advised to keep doors and windows closed due to large amount of smoke in the area."
One resident said: "I live 50 metres from where it happened I was scared. The fire was very large and shocked because was take around 3-4 hours to understand control."
West Yorkshire Police said: "Police assisted with road closures and scene management at the time of the fire and are still there while the site is made safe but there’s no immediate suggestion of the cause being suspicious."
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