A small fire which broke out at Hartlepool nuclear power station tonight has been extinguished.

Fire crews, police and ambulance were called at 6.37pm and remain at the scene as a precautionary measure.

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Police said that no-one was injured in the blaze which caused smoke to billow from the Tees Road plant, operated by EDF Energy.

Speaking at 7.55pm, she said: "There is smoke billowing as a result of the fire but it is currently heading in a direction that does not cause any implications for members of the public.

"During incidents such as these there are several procedures that take place including the venting of the steam generators.

"This particular process causes noise which residents in nearby areas, such as Seaton Carew, may hear.

"Police and the fire brigade remain at the scene as a precautionary measure."