A TEENAGER has been arrested on suspicion of arson in connection with a huge fire at a recycling plant.

A major incident was declared after blaze at the Shee Recycling site in Birtley, near Chester-le-Street, broke out last night.

Police launched an investigation and have confirmed a 19-year-old man has been arrested by officers as they continue their inquiries.

Read more: Recycling plant destroyed by huge fire was subject to criminal investigation

Emergency services were called to the Durham Road site at around 11pm last night.

Firefighters are still working at the scene to fully extinguish the fire however it is thought to be under control.

A spokesman for Northumbria Police said: “Thankfully nobody was injured but a full investigation has been launched to establish the circumstances surrounding the fire.

“Today, after following various lines of enquiry, police have arrested a 19-year-old man on suspicion of arson.

“However, officers are also keen to trace another man who was believed to be at the scene shortly before the fire and may be able to assist with enquiries.”

CCTV enquiries are underway however anyone with information is encouraged to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of the website or by calling 101 quoting reference number NP-20220207-1158.

Read more: Pictures show aftermath of recycling plant fire 

Gateshead Council said ‘Major Incident’ declared by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue overnight following has now been stood down.

A spokesman for the authority said: “Members of the public in the area are advised to keep their windows and doors closed until further notice.

“The Environment Agency are making air quality checks in and around the local area. Please stay away from the site where possible.

A small number of homes and businesses near the site are currently without water and power.

“We are working with Northumbrian Water and Northern PowerGrid to get power and water restored as quickly as possible.

“The incident has meant that we have been forced to make some emergency road closures.”

The A167 between Vigo Lane and Harris Bank will remain closed for most of the day.

There are signed diversion routes along the B1288 and Vigo Lane.

Motorists are advised to use the A1 for this stretch of their journey until further notice.

The spokesman added: “We are working with Northumbria Police and Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service to reopen the highway as soon as it is safe to do so. “We thank you for your patience and ask you to allow more time for your journey today.”

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