The emergency services swept into action after a Bradford skyscraper exploded, leaving thousands trapped in the crumbling building.

But the disaster at Provincial House, heightened by a tanker spilling its load of sulphuric acid, was all in the minds of planners as they tested their procedures should such an emergency befall the city.

With the September 11 disaster still at the forefront of everyone's minds, the exercise was considered very apt by Bradford Council and police, fire and ambulance services, even though it had been planned since last February.

After the exercise their decisions were put under scrutiny by lawyer Mark Solon at a mock public inquiry.

Brian Wood, emergency planning manager for West Yorkshire Fire Service and chairman of the UK Emergency Planning Society, said: "Because of this project, the services will be better prepared to make big decisions that they can justify in the event of the unthinkable. The scenarios are fairly gory but then real life can be pretty gory."

Sixty representatives of local organisations were invited to Bradford City Hall for Exercise Domino yesterday to discuss their response to the fictional explosion, which caused the partial collapse of the high rise building, housing 3,000 people, and trapped many in the floors above.

Passers-by were killed and injured by falling glass and a tanker carrying sulphuric acid spilled its load.

Brian Robson, assistant divisional officer for West Yorkshire Fire Service, said: "Hopefully something like this will never happen but if it does we are prepared."

Sergeant Fiona Bretherick, of Bradford Central Police station, added: "This is a rare opportunity to learn from our mistakes before the disaster actually happens. We can consider what we might face and how we are going to cope."

Nigel Bull, emergency planning officer for the county's ambulance service, said: "The idea is to put the leaders under a bit of pressure and see where the cracks are. It is important to see if the plans will work as intended."

After discussing co-ordinated action participants' decisions were challenged by Mr Solon, who said: "In considering tactical and strategic issues we must also be prepared for the legal fallout."