Fire exit 'tied shut' at Leeds iQ Marsden House student accommodation as investigation launched

A picture supplied to the Yorkshire Evening Post shows the fire exit at iQ Marsden House on Burley Road secured with cable ties.

The student accommodation has a range of en suite rooms and studios housing students - as well as social and study areas including a gym, cinema, courtyard and a large lounge.

After the issue was raised by a furious parent of a student, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue service quickly attended to 'resolve' the issue.

Now, an urgent investigation has been launched by iQ, who said student safety is their "highest priority".

In a statement provided to the Yorkshire Evening Post, iQ said they have immediately increased the regular checks they make on all exits.

The statement read: "Student safety is our highest priority.

"We are investigating how this happened.

"The gate is one of several escape routes from the building and is 2m away from an escape route through reception, which is staffed around the clock.

"We have immediately increased the regular checks we make on all exits."

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service told the Yorkshire Evening Post they were looking into the issue on Monday afternoon (Sept 28)

The fire service later confirmed they had attended the accommodation and "resolved" the issue.

In a statement, the service said: "To update, our fire crews have been to the site this afternoon and can confirm the issue has been resolved."

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Thank you

Laura Collins