A LARGE fire broke out in a North East building on Monday evening.
Firefighters spent the night dealing with the fire on Durham Road in Birtley.
Nine fire engines were tackling the blaze, which could be seen across the skyline with huge plumes of smoke in the air, at around midnight.
Witnesses believe the fire started in a small aluminium unit next to Motorpoint, but this has not been confirmed.
The cause of the fire is not yet known.
Incident affecting 21
— Go North East (@gonortheast) February 7, 2022
Due to an incident at Birtley, Service 21 is currently unable to service stops at Birtley and Barley Mow
Please catch your bus from Northlands Roundabout, Picktree and Portabello in both directions
Some roads were closed as a result of the blaze.
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Residents in the area have been urged to keep all windows and doors shut.
A spokesperson for the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said: "We currently have nine fire engines and a aerial ladder platform in attendance at a building fire on Durham Road in Birtley.
"Please keep all windows and doors shut if you live in the area #staysafe."
Large fire on the A167 Birtley is closed. This impacts on the A1 diversion southbound at the Angel of the North. The diversion is back north to the A184 through Gateshead ,A19 south An evolving situation, Officers are located at key points to assist with the diversion. #twfs pic.twitter.com/ZHHzXf9XFw
— Northumbria Police Road Safety (@NPRoadSafety) February 7, 2022
A tweet from the Northumbria Police Road Safety said: "Large fire on the A167 Birtley is closed. This impacts on the A1 diversion southbound at the Angel of the North.
"The diversion is back north to the A184 through Gateshead ,A19 south.
"An evolving situation, Officers are located at key points to assist with the diversion."
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