Video: ‘Nothing to suggest’ huge furniture store blaze in Leeds was arson

Initial investigations suggest a fire which tore through a furniture store in Leeds city centre was not suspicious, police have said.

By Mark Lavery Monday, 9th November 2015, 8:23 am

The aftermath on Saturday afternoon of the fire at Hill's store

The rear of Hill’s Furniture Store, on Kirkgate, has been demolished following the huge blaze on Friday afternoon.

Kirkgate remained partially closed today while work continued to secure the site.

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West Yorkshire Police said officers were still liaising with fire investigators to determine what caused the incident.

But a spokesman said: “There’s nothing to suggest at this stage that the cause was deliberate.”

The fire is believed to have started at 4.30pm – shortly after the shop closed on Friday.

One fire engine remained at the scene damping down until just after 4pm on Saturday.

A Leeds City Council spokeswoman said the council’s building control team worked with the building owners over the weekend to ensure it was safe.

The aftermath on Saturday afternoon of the fire at Hill's store

“The rear of the property has been demolished and we’ll continue to work with the owners as they make further assessments on the rest of the property,” she said.

“Kirkgate will remain closed at New York Street and Call Lane. We appreciate everyone’s patience during the disruption this will cause, but everyone’s safety is paramount.

“We would like to thank West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service for their dedication and professionalism in tackling a difficult fire and keeping local businesses and residents safe.”

The fire at Hill's Furniture Store, Leeds

The fire at Hill's Furniture Store, Leeds

The fire at Hill's Furniture Store, Leeds

The fire at Hill's Furniture Store, Leeds