FIRE CREWS are still at the scene of a major fire at a car repair workshop in Bradford which put residents at risk of asbestos exposure.

People living in streets around the blaze in Priestman Street, Manningham, were told to stay in their homes doors with windows and doors shut as thick smoke choked the surrounding area.

Despite advice, a large crowd of bystanders still stood outside a police cordon to watch the drama unfold as eight fire crews at its peak from across the district tackled the flames.

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According to locals the building was used as a second-hand BMW repair and parts workshop.

A fire service spokesman said: "The roof collapsed and Bradford Council emergency planning officer and structual engineer officer attended.

"The Environment Agency also attended due to large amounts of smoke over the residential area."

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The fire service gave the location of the fire as Bradford BM Ltd.

The alarm was raised at around 6.30pm and crews including Bradford, Fairweather Green, Shipley, Idle, Cleckheaton and Rawdon were there throughout the evening and into today.

Officials from Bradford Council's building control will now be contacted and the building will have to be demolished.