Dramatic pictures show extent of building collapse in Harehills

Part of a garage building on Florence Road, which was under construction, collapsed at about 11.30am today.

The building is a former car MOT centre, Florence Garage, which is believed to have closed down about 18 months ago.

Three people were trapped in a 'safe' area of a courtyard following the collapse.

They were rescued by firefighters and no injuries were reported.

The collapsed building is just metres away from a house which was damaged in a car crash yesterday, but the two incidents are not connected.

Irene Hill, secretary at the Harehills Labour club, witnessed large crowds rush over to the scene after hearing the building collapse.

She said: "We heard drilling and the next thing we heard was crash, bang, wallop.

"The roof has caved in and the building has collapsed.

"There were hoards of people coming from all directions running to see what happened. The whole street was chocka-block with people.

"There were load of police, ambulances and fire engines."

Pictures from the scene show a large section of roof caved in and wood panels petruding from the building site.

A structural engineer and utilities company were called in to make the building safe.

A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Fire said: "Structural collapse at a commercial premise, three people trapped in safe area in courtyard, released by Fire Service personnel.

"Attempts by Fire Service to make building safe working with a structural engineer and utilities."