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.

Some roads were closed as a result of the blaze.

Read more: Investigation into second death at RAF base in Catterick

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."

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."

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated County Durham Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054