Flames could be seen for miles around after the blaze took hold at a former Wesleylan church in the centre of the town.

Witnesses reported seeing flames rise around 20ft into the sky as the fire ripped through the roof space of the building, which was also a nightclub before it fell into disuse.

Drone shots show the extent of the fire at the historic venue. Picture: Mark Flounders

The emergency services rushed to the scene at around 8.30pm, with firefighters and police officers still in attendance after 11pm.

Roads around the area - which was busy with Saturday night revellers - were closed as the crews of five fire engines attempted to tackle the flames.

Onlookers watched as firefighters used platforms to get closer to the roof of the building, which was visibly ablaze.

This morning, a spokeswoman for Cleveland Fire Brigade said firefighters had returned to the scene after the roof of the building caved in.

She said: "We were called back to the Wesleyan church at 8.21am this morning and have one appliance from Hartlepool and a hydraulic appliance from Saltburn.

"We were recalled as the roof has caved in from last night's fire, from one end to the other end.

"It is smouldering and the fire brigade are dampening down."

Witness Rona Turton sent this picture of damage caused to the former nightclub

The cause of the fire is currently unknown but the fire brigade has confirmed it caused 100 per cent damage to the roof and fourth floor of the historic property, which dates back to the 1800s.

There are currently no reports of any injuries having been sustained as a result of the fire.

Speaking in the early hours of Sunday morning, witness Rona Turton said she could feel the heat, adding: “It has been a crazy night, awful to watch.

“The heat was intense and I didn’t know if it was going to explode at one point.

“It’s just smoke now – the firefighters have been amazing.”

The roof of the building was gutted in the fire. Picture: Joanna Morris

A statement from Cleveland Police issued last night said: “Officers have been called to a report of a fire at an empty building known as Wesley nightclub on Victoria Road in Hartlepool tonight, Saturday 9th December.

“Police are currently on scene with Cleveland Fire Brigade and it is believed no one is injured at this time.

“Victoria Road and Wesley Square are currently closed and people are advised to avoid these areas until further notice.

“Enquiries are ongoing.”

Firefighters survey the damage as they work to make the building safe. Picture: Joanna Morris