Cottingley Towers fire: Everything we know so far on Leeds flats blaze

Where is the fire and how big is the fire?

-> Fire breaks out at Cottingley Towers Leeds

The fire is at Cottingley Towers, just off Cottingley Drive.

Residents have been evacuated from their homes and a police cordon is in place.

The fire broke out on the 20th floor, say residents at the scene.

At least four fire engines were called to the scene along with paramedics, first response unit ambulances and a large police presence to enact the cordon.

The fire is out as of 12.45pm but residents still are not being allowed back into their homes just yet.

-> Fire breaks out at Leeds building development

What residents say at the scene

Phil Smith, aged 59, has lived on the first floor for 22 years. He said: “Somebody came pounding on the door screaming ‘get out there has been a fire’.

"In 22 years there have been 50 fires, but it’s the first time in 22 years that they have evacuated the building. I think it’s because of Grenfell."

Has anyone been injured or arrested?

Crews from eight different fire stations were sent out the scene, with eight firefighters donning breathing apparatus.

Four casualties were brought to safety by firefighters and left in the care of paramedics.

There is no indication of any arrests yet but we have contacted the fire service, police and Leeds Council.

The official fire service statement

Area Manager Chris Kirby said: “This incident has been quickly dealt with by firefighters who rushed to the scene following an emergency call into our Control Room at 10.37am.

“There was no-one inside the flat where the fire started, or the flat above, however the high-rise building was occupied by other residents."

Area Manager Chris Kirby added: “The building did react in the way we would expect and the fire did not spread beyond the flat of origin, however that flat has been severely damaged by fire.

“I must praise the firefighters who dealt with this incident quickly and our partner agencies for their support in helping us deal with the fire and its aftermath in a very controlled way.” Read more at: https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/cottingley-towers-fire-west-yorkshire-fire-and-rescue-service-release-statement-after-blaze-in-20th-floor-flat-1-9375136-> Fire service issue update after blaze on 20th floor flat

When were the flats first built?

The 1970s-built block and its neighbour Cottingley Heights are owned by Leeds City Council and contain socially rented flats. They are 236ft high and both have 25 floors.