Bradford: An investigation has been launched into a major shop fire

An investigation has been launched after a fire ravaged a car parts shop in Bradford.

Seven fire crews tackled the blaze at Heaton Motors on Wednesday, with smoke billowing from the windows.

Leeds Road was closed in both directions while emergency services attended the scene from 12:00 BST.

A nearby cafe told the BBC the fire and subsequent closure of the busy road had caused “great disruption”.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said investigators could not yet enter the building due to structural safety.

Three crews from Bradford, Stanningley and Odsal were initially sent to the scene, with other fire engines later arriving.

West Yorkshire Police and Yorkshire Ambulance Service also attended, with the road still closed to traffic as of Thursday morning.

Sohail Khan, manager of the Mi Chaii store, said his Wednesday lunch service was abruptly cut short when a delivery driver informed him of the fire.

“It was a bit of a shock, I thought he was joking,” he said.

“I went outside and saw that the building was in smoke.”

Mr Khan said the closure had affected many businesses in the area.

“It’s a major part of Bradford’s income, with shopping and food, and it’s a junction with Leeds,” he said.

“It’s causing us great disruption as none of our customers can access us – the whole road has been affected.”