An iconic former bingo hall and cinema in Shipley which was destroyed by a massive blaze last night is to be pulled down today, it has been confirmed.

The derelict 1930s listed building, on Leeds Road at Fox Corner, has been declared structurally unsafe after it was engulfed by flames and will be demolished at 9am.

The Telegraph & Argus today reported how thick smoke and particles of ash drifted among snow flakes into the night sky as firefighters, armed with more than ten engines, battled to control the blaze, which is thought to have started at about 8pm.

A West Yorkshire Fire service spokesman said the building, formerly the Glen Royal Cinema, was “on its last legs” at about 2am, and crews used mobile ground monitors and water towers to quell the flames so firefighters were not put at risk.

A number of firefighters remain at the scene and the road is expected to remain closed all day.

Police say there are “no known suspicious circumstances” surrounding the fire and a joint investigation into the cause is being held with the fire service.

Shipley railway station is also closed and is likely to remain so for most of the day.

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