Eight youths arrested over major fire

Eight youths are being quizzed by detectives over a major fire in west Leeds.
The Bramley fire at its height. Picture by Stephen Smith, from Armley, Leeds.The Bramley fire at its height. Picture by Stephen Smith, from Armley, Leeds.
The Bramley fire at its height. Picture by Stephen Smith, from Armley, Leeds.

The teenagers, all from the Armley and Bramley areas, were arrested last night and this morning on suspicion of arson.

They are being questioned over the blaze at Waterloo Lane, Bramley which broke out at around 8.40pm on bank holiday Monday.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Those arrested are two boys aged 14, three boys aged 15, one boy aged 16 and two girls aged 14 and 13.

Ten pumps, two aerial appliances and support units were called to bring the blaze in an empty warehouse under control.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Detective Inspector James Entwistle, of Leeds CID, said: “The building is very frail and we expect within the next seven days it will be taken down to protect the safety of the surroundings.

“We expect this may cause some disruption for the next several days and while this disruption is regrettable it is absolutely necessary to ensure public safety.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We are working hard with partners to minimise the impact of this work and again, I want to thank residents for their co-operation during this time.”

Firefighters from 22 stations across West Yorkshire were called in to bring the fire under control along with specialist officers from across the brigade.

Plumes of smoke could be seen across the city and from the M62 motorway.

People living in New Farnley, Churwell, Gildersome and surrounding areas were advised to keep their doors and windows closed last night due to large amounts of smoke in the atmosphere.