Investigation launched as two men injured in scaffolding collapse at Leeds Victoria Gate development

An investigation has been launched after two men were injured when scaffolding collapsed at a major new shopping development in Leeds city centre.
The partially-built Victoria Gate developmentThe partially-built Victoria Gate development
The partially-built Victoria Gate development

Police and fire crews were initially called to the Victoria Gate site, at the junction of Eastgate and Harewood Street, shortly after 8am following reports of an accident.

A West Yorkshire Fire Service spokeswoman said: “This incident involved collapsed scaffolding with one male fallen from height.

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“Another male had been rescued from the top of the structure without the assistance of fire crews.”

Both men were taken to hospital by ambulance.

Detective Inspector Andy Welbourn, of Leeds CID, said: “Police were called to Harewood Street, Leeds, at 8.05am this morning following a report that one man had fallen from scaffolding and another man was trapped.

“The man who fell from the scaffolding has been taken to hospital where he is being treated for serious injuries.

“The Health and Safety Executive has been made aware of the incident and enquiries are ongoing.”

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A spokesman for the Health and Safety Executive said: “We are aware of the incident and have inspectors on the way to the scene.”

The multi-million pound Victoria Gate shopping complex will include a John Lewis, an arcade with stores, restaurants, cafes and leisure space and a multi-storey car park.

A spokeswoman for developers Hammerson said: “We were advised of a serious incident at the Victoria Gate site this morning involving two men.

“The emergency services were called immediately to provide assistance and both men were taken to hospital by ambulance.

“All relevant authorities have been notified and a thorough investigation into the possible causes of the accident is currently underway.”