Fire service launch investigation after Leeds student accommodation secured with cable ties

A picture supplied to the Yorkshire Evening Post on Monday showed 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.

An investigation was launched by iQ, who said student safety is their "highest priority".

In a statement provided to the Yorkshire Evening Post, iQ said they had 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."

On Tuesday, the fire service published a further statement damning the individual who tied the fire exit.

The fire service confirmed they are attempting to identify the individual(s) responsible.

The statement read: "Blocking any fire exit is incredibly dangerous and is illegal.

"All fire exits should be kept clear at all times, so that if a fire does occur, people can escape danger swiftly and safely.

"Our Fire Protection team is in contact with the Managing Agent, iQ Student Accommodation, who have confirmed they did not secure the exit.

"The fire service is working with iQ student accommodation to ensure this does not happen again and identify the individual responsible for securing the exit closed."

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Thank you

Laura Collins