New pictures show devastation of scrap yard fire in Middlesbrough

Large black smoke could be seen billowing from behind the building on land in Middlehaven.

Witnesses reportedozens of firefighters are tackling the blaze, which is understood to have started at a scrap yard called Jap Euro North East.

There were number of cars ablaze at the site.

Surrounding roads have also been closed by police whilst firefighters attempt to put out the fire.

Residents are now being allowed back into their homes after earlier being evacuated.

The cause of the fire is not yet known, and the smoke could be seen by people across Teesside.

A spokesperson for Cleveland Police said: "Fire brigade crew and police officers will remain on the scene of this afternoon’s fire overnight and some roads in the immediate area will remain closed until around 6am tomorrow morning (Tuesday).

"These are: Vulcan Street junction with Albert Road near the Transporter Bridge end, Commercial Street/Grey Street.

"Police have contacted those residents who provided their phone numbers to let them know they can return home (they will be allowed through the road closures) but we would repeat our Fire Brigade colleagues’ advice to keep doors and windows closed for the time being.

"We would like to thank residents, motorists and anyone else affected by today’s incident for their co-operation and patience."

A spokesperson for Middlesbrough College said: "We have no intention of evacuating the college building.

"The fire is contained in an area that is nowhere near the college and police and fire crews are dealing with it.

"There is no threat to the safety of our students.

"All students currently on site please do not go out of the clock tower entrance due to the fire on Vulcan Street."

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Fire Brigade said they sent six fire engines to the scene to deal with the incident.

They added: "We are currently dealing with an ongoing incident at a scrapyard in Middlesbrough.

"If you're in the area, or downwind of the incident, we advise that if you can stay indoors & keep windows/doors closed as there is a large amount of smoke.

"We will release more information as soon as we have it."

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: "We became aware of a waste fire at 3pm on the grounds of JAP Euro North East on Commercial Street in Middlesbrough.

"The Environment Agency currently has two regulatory officers onsite to continually monitor the risk to the environment, and to work with our partners from the emergency services. We have also opened an incident room at our head office in Newcastle to direct the operation.

"We will continue to advise our partners about any hazards the incident may pose to the surrounding area."