Firefighters tackle huge blaze at former go-kart track in Bradford

Fire crews remain at the scene of a blaze in the East Bowling area of Bradford as residents in some areas of the city and in Leeds are urged to keep doors and windows closed.

Fifteen fire engines, two aerial appliances and around 100 firefighters have been involved at the scene of the fire, thought to be a former go-kart track at Upper Castle Street, which started at around 3.09am today.

Residents have been urged to keep doors and windows closed Credit: Yorkshire Ambulance Service Hazardous Area Response Team

Earlier today the fire service confirmed "all persons are accounted for".

In a statement, a West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service spokesperson said crews remain in attendance this afternoon:

Bradford Council is advising anyone living in the East Bierley, Westgate Hill and Tong areas to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke from the tyre fire.

Residents in the South Pudsey, Farnley Hall and Bramley areas of Leeds are also being urged to keep their windows and doors closed.

Schools closed

According to Bradford Council, Bronte Girls Academy, Rainbow Primary and Dixons City Academy have all been closed as a result of the blaze.

Travel disruption

Roads:

Motorists are being told to avoid the area and a number of roads have been closed.

Rail:

Passengers using Northern Rail are being advised to plan journeys carefully, as the fire is causing "significant disruption to journeys between West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester."

Northern Rail expects disruption to their services until the end of the day tomorrow (Tuesday 17 November).

Rail services using the nearby Bradford Interchange have been cancelled or diverted indefinitely and rail replacement services are in operation between Leeds, Halifax and Bradford Interchange.

On its website, Northern Rail says: "Until further notice, services between Leeds and Manchester Victoria are likely to be cancelled or diverted and, at present, services are unable to call at Bradford Interchange.

"Rail replacement buses will operate between Leeds, Halifax and Bradford Interchange and further services along the Calder Valley may also be subject to disruption and amendments."

Buses:

Neville Street is closed heading out of Leeds, with buses being diverted.