Dramatic scenes and “chaos” as firefighters tackle blaze on Leeds Road

Explosions have been heard as firefighters tackle a huge blaze at a shop which appears to be spreading to nearby buildings.

Dramatic footage has emerged of the blaze on a major road in Bradford, with emergency services heard telling the public to “go back” amid the dangerous scenes.

Leeds Road is closed as firefighters battle to control the incident at Heaton Motor Factors.

At least two emergency response ambulances were also dispatched to the scene, it was found.

An image from the scene taken around 3 p.m (Image: T&A)

The Telegraph & Argus has a reporter and photographer on the scene and is running live updates on its website as more images and accounts emerge.

Images show smoke pouring from the building.

A passer-by said: “It’s chaos here.

“The road is closed and smoke is coming out of the building.

“Firefighters are doing everything they can to put out the fire.”

A firefighter tackles the fire from the aerial platform (Image: T&A)

“I hear explosions. They’re telling the crowd to get back.”

Sirens can be heard in various parts of the town as more fire engines are gathered at the scene, with two more spotters heading along Rooley Lane at around 12.30pm.

A huge response from the emergency services (Image: T&A)

An aerial ladder platform is at the scene as firefighters try to secure higher ground from which to battle the flames.

Firefighters could be seen smashing windows at Heaton Motor Factors to gain better access to the fire.

The fire being approached from above (Image: T&A)

More recently, they could be seen forcing their way into the shop next door, called La Crepe House, amid fears the fire had spread. Smoke appears to be coming from the roof of Casa La Crepe, an onlooker said.

The incident is causing traffic chaos, with Leeds Road completely closed and drivers experiencing gridlock on many streets in the east of the city centre.

Smoke now hangs over the neighborhood, with one observer describing the air as polluted by “thick, acrid smoke.”

The Telegraph & Argus has contacted West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service for comment.