Office workers have been evacuated and train services cancelled over fears that a huge crane is at risk of ‘collapse’.

Emergency services were called to Riverside Way, in Leeds, at around 1.30pm after receiving reports that the roughly 80m (262ft) crane was “unstable”.

Police later confirmed that no one was aboard the huge hydraulic structure and set up a cordon to prevent pedestrians from walking close to it.

Trains were initially halted at Leeds station as emergency teams tackled the incident, and although the lines are now back open, there have been widespread delays.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “Police are at the scene following a report of an industrial incident involving a crane on Riverside Way, Leeds.

“It has been confirmed that there is no one on the crane.

“Access to the area has been restricted for pedestrians and road closures put in place. A number of buildings in the area are also being evacuated as a precaution.

“These closures are expected to be in place for some time and members of the public are advised to avoid the area and seek other routes.

“This is an ongoing incident and further updates will be provided in due course.”

A West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service added: "We were called at 13.36 to reports of an unstable structure on Riverside Way in Leeds.

"Two crews from Leeds are in attendance dealing with the structure which is a large crane.

"The area has been cleared of people - access is restricted and road closures are in place."