Fire service issue update after residents trapped in arson attack on Leeds student accomodation block

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescuer Service issued an update after the fire at the block of student flats near Woodhouse.

Dozens of students were evacuated from the Austin Hall student accommodation block on Servia Road shortly after 9am yesterday (Saturday).

Police believe the fire was started deliberately and made an arrest on Saturday afternoon, adding that it was "very fortunate" that no one was injured.

The fire service this morning confirmed that they had been forced to rescue six residents who were trapped when the fire started.

Some people were trapped by a gate on the fourth floor, while six residents were rescued from the fifth floor, the fire service said.

A full evacuation of the building was then carried out with help of police.

Two fire engines from Leeds, two from Hunslet and an aerial platform from Bradford tackled the fire, along with a fire investigation officer.

A 20-year-old man was arrested in Leeds yesterday afternoon in connection with the incident.

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