At least six appliances sent to Wyke Manor School, in Wyke, Bradford, after fire at former sports hall

AT least six fire appliances have been tackling a fire at a former sports hall at Wyke Manor School, in Bradford.

The incident occurred sometime around 8.45pm and an eye witness said there were between 15 and 20 personel on site tackling the fire.

The witness said at just after 9pm: "The fire has caused substantial damage to the roof and to one side of the building.

"The roof is now showing signs of collapse and plumes of toxic smoke are filling the sky over the village and beyond."

He added that the site is earmarked for a new sports complex and athletics centre.

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Unconfirmed reports have said youths were seen running away from the scene.

Bradford Fire Station commander Ronnie Goldwater said a specialist unit had been sent for to help tackle the blaze which was spreading between the "sandwich" panels of the metal building.

"It is going to be a long and arduous task because of where the fire is and we have to use specialist equipment," he said.

Fire technicians are at the site to determine where the fire started and the cause. At this stage arson has not been ruled out.