Long delays as building fire closes A64 in Leeds

A MAJOR route out of Leeds was closed this afternoon causing long tailbacks, following a fire in a derelict office block on the outskirts of the city centre.

By The Newsroom

Published 14th Nov 2014, 15:45 BST

Police and the fire service attend the former gas building in Leeds city centre.
Pictures by Jonathan Gawthorpe — Police and the fire service attend the former gas building in Leeds city centre. Pictures by Jonathan Gawthorpe

Six fire engines and crews were trying to bring the blaze under control at the former British Gas building.

The third floor of the 14-storey building on Bridge Street, just next to the Inner Ring Road, was believed to be involved in the fire.

A West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue spokesman said he believed no-one was injured in the fire.

The A64(M) New York Road was closed in both directions, with traffic queuing between North Street and Marsh Lane, and drivers warned to expect “severe” delays.

The road was reported to have reopened shortly after 4pm.