Man arrested after seven saved from fire at flats

A man is being questioned by police after seven people were rescued from a fire at flats above a shop in Wakefield city centre.

Firefighters were called to the blaze on George Street at 05:00 GMT, a spokesperson for West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said.

West Yorkshire Police said of the seven people led to safety, one man suffered serious smoke inhalation and remains in hospital.

A spokesperson said: "A man was arrested at the scene in connection with the incident and remains in custody. Enquiries are ongoing."

A photo from the scene showed fire damage to the flats, which are above an international foods supermarket.

The road was closed while emergency services were at the scene but has since been reopened to traffic.

Habib Akhtar's Indian restaurant, situated next door to the supermarket, suffered smoke and water damage in the fire.

He said: "We don't know what started it, the fire chief is at the scene so he will be investigating.

"It's not the best, but you win some, you lose some."

Mr Akhtar said there were people living above the businesses affected and one person living above a nearby barber's shop had jumped out of a first floor window to escape, despite there being two fire exits on the premises.

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