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Leeds Live
Leeds Live
National
Samuel Port

Leeds fire update as police make arson arrest after blaze rips through empty building

A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a Leeds city centre building went up in flames, resulting in three major streets getting closed off.

The disused building on Kirkgate went up in flames before 4.49am today (Monday, July 3). The fire was dealt with by West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Road closures remain in place this morning on Vicar Lane, Fish Street and Kirkgate while checks continue on the affected building and police enquiries are carried out nearby.

Read more: Follow our live blog here - for the latest updates on the fire

Inspector Alistair Nicholls of Leeds District Police said: “We do appreciate the disruption these closures will cause and ask people in the city centre to bear with us, while work is being carried out to return the affected areas to normality as soon as is possible.

“A man is in custody for questioning on suspicion of arson in connection with the fire and I would ask anyone who saw suspicious behaviour on Harper Street, Kirkgate, Vicar Lane or King Edward Street prior to 4.49am this morning to contact Leeds District CID on 101 referencing crime number 13230368364.

“Information can also be given online at 101livechat or anonymously to the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.”

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