Eight youths questioned over derelict building fire

The teenagers, all from the Armley and Bramley areas, were arrested on Monday and Tuesday on suspicion of arson.

They have been quizzed about the fire in Waterloo Lane, Bramley, which began at around 8.40pm on Monday.

Police today said the two boys aged 14, three boys aged 15, one boy aged 16 and two girls aged 14 and 13 had been released on bail while investigations continue.

Fire crews from 22 stations across West Yorkshire were called upon to help tackle the fire on Monday evening.

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

And people living in Churwell and Gildersome were told to keep their doors and windows shut.

The cause of the fire is not yet known.

The single storey warehouse was vacant at the time and was being advertised for rental by Savills.

The building, which has partially collapsed, was fenced off yesterday.

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.

“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.”