Parts of Leeds city centre closed off as police attend 'industrial incident involving crane' - updates

Police in Leeds city centre are urging people to stay away from an area close to the city's train station as they attend an 'industrial incident involving a crane'.

West Yorkshire Police confirmed officers have put road closures in place and some buildings have been evacuated. The force said the incident involves a crane on Riverside Way. Reports on social media suggest there are concerns around the crane 'toppling over' but the force is yet to confirm further details about the nature of the incident.

In a statement, police said: "Access to the area has been restricted for pedestrians and road closures put in place. A number of buildings in the area are also being evacuated as a precaution.

“These closures are expected to be in place for some time and members of the public are advised to avoid the area and seek other routes. This is an ongoing incident and further updates will be provided in due course.”

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West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed it was also in attendance. "We are in attendance at an industrial incident involving a crane on Riverside Way, Leeds," it said in a statement. "The area has been cleared of people - access is restricted and road closures are in place. We have two crews from Leeds Fire Station in attendance."

People have reported being stuck on trains, in car parks and inside offices as police attend the incident. One X user, Matt Baker, said it was "gridlock around Leeds city centre".

"Trapped in the office today as a crane is threatening to topple over in Leeds," he said. "Trains are delayed, roads closed and pretty much gridlock