HUNDREDS of Brits have been evacuated from their homes over fears a 200ft crane could collapse amid 70mph winds and flood warnings caused by Storm Debi.
Residents were told to leave waterfront flats in Leeds city centre after concerns were raised over the safety of a crane being used to build luxury high-rise flats.
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Trains due at Leeds station were cancelled as a precaution amid concerns the crane could topple onto the west end of Leeds train station.
Locals were told that the crane had “become unsafe” and “was in danger of falling”.
Emergency services, including fire crews and police, were called to Riverside Way shortly after 1.30pm today.
Residents in Whitehall Waterfront, which contains 194 apartments, were among those told to leave.
A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: “Police are at the scene following a report of an industrial incident involving a crane on Riverside Way, Leeds.
“It has been confirmed that there is no one on the crane.
“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.”
A West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We are in attendance at an industrial incident involving a crane on Riverside Way, Leeds.
“The area has been cleared of people – access is restricted and road closures are in place.
“We have two crews from Leeds Fire Station at the scene.”
A number of trains were cancelled, including London services, with disruption expected for the rest of the day.
CrossCountry, Northern and TransPennine services have also been affected.
Train operator LNER posted online: “Following the emergency services are dealing with an earlier incident at Leeds station lines have reopened.
“Trains at this station may continue to be cancelled or severely delayed by up to 60 minutes.
“Major disruption is expected until the end of the day.”
Read more on the Scottish Sun
Storm Debi has brought gusts of more than 70mph to parts of the UK.
London and southern England today saw the Met Office issue a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms, heavy rain and severe gale-force winds.
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