Kirkgate fire: Man arrested over blaze at derelict building

The fire broke out at the disused building in Kirkgate, Leeds, at about 04:40 BST

A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a fire broke out at a derelict building in Leeds city centre.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service crews were called at 04:40 BST to the building in Kirkgate.

Firefighters were tackling the blaze at the three-storey property throughout the morning and a number of road closures were put in place.

A man has now been arrested on suspicion of arson, West Yorkshire Police confirmed.

Emergency services at the scene of the blaze

Insp Alistair Nicholls of Leeds District Police said: "We do appreciate the disruption these closures will cause and ask people in the city centre to bear with us, while work is being carried out to return the affected areas to normality as soon as is possible.

"A man is in custody for questioning on suspicion of arson in connection with the fire and I would ask anyone who saw suspicious behaviour on Harper Street, Kirkgate, Vicar Lane or King Edward Street prior to 04:49 BST this morning to contact Leeds District CID."

Two aerial ladder platforms, three large jets and two hose reels were used by crews to extinguish the fire.

A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said eight appliances from across the brigade were sent to the scene alongside specialist resources and officers.

The fire started in the roof and flames were thought to have engulfed about 60% of the building, the spokesperson added.

Firefighters left the scene at about 16:00 BST and structural engineers will decide what happens next to the building, they said.