Investigation launched into major shop blaze

The business on Leeds Road, Bradford, caught fire on Wednesday lunchtime

An investigation has been launched after a fire gutted a car parts shop in Bradford.

Seven fire crews tackled the blaze at Heaton Motors at its height on Wednesday, with smoke seen billowing from its windows.

Leeds Road was closed in both directions while emergency services attended the scene from about 12:00 BST.

A neighbouring cafe told the BBC the fire and subsequent closure of the busy road had caused "big disruption".

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said investigators had not yet been able to enter the building due to structural safety.

Three crews from Bradford, Stanningley and Odsal were initially sent to the scene, with further fire engines arriving later.

Leeds Road continues to be shut following the fire at Heaton Motors

West Yorkshire Police and Yorkshire Ambulance Service also attended, with the road still closed to traffic as of Thursday morning.

Sohail Khan, store manager at Mi Chaii, said his Wednesday lunch service was suddenly disrupted when a delivery driver informed him of the fire.

"It was a bit of a shock, I thought he was joking," he said.

"I went outside and saw that the building was up in smoke."

Sohail Khan says the fire has disrupted business for many Leeds Road units

Mr Khan said the closure had impacted many businesses in the area.

“It’s a major part of Bradford’s revenue, with shopping and food, and it’s an intersection into Leeds," he said.

"It’s causing us big disruption because none of our customers can access us - the whole road has been affected."

Follow BBC Yorkshire on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail].