A massive search was launched at a derelict Keighley building after part of the roof collapsed, sparking fears someone could be trapped beneath the rubble.

A specialist fire service search and rescue team, with a sniffer dog, was called in to sift through the debris at the Harold Town building, in Chesham Street, yesterday.

A security guard who raised the alarm shortly after 2am reported hearing a shout as the section of roof fell.

Firefighters remained at the scene for about six hours, but found no one.

Police were initially contacted by the security guard and alerted the fire brigade, which mobilised two crews from Keighley Fire Station and the specialist unit from Cleckheaton.

Keighley watch commander Steve Moorhouse said: “It was believed that someone may have been inside the two-storey bit of the building affected by the collapse and could have been trapped.

“A full search was carried out and we kept one of our crews at the scene until the operation was concluded.”

The Harold Town building, which is owned by Bradford Council, is currently being demolished.

It has stood empty since November 2010, when its former occupier, Keighley Campus Leeds City College , moved out.

The one-hectare site is allocated for employment use and once it has been cleared the Council hopes to attract a new employer to the plot.

A Council spokesman said officers from the authority had visited the site yesterday morning following the incident and a meeting was taking place later in the day to discuss the issue.

He added: “During demolition, responsibility for the security and management of the site is passed to the contractor and will be handed back to the Council when the work is completed.”