Pictures and video have captured the shocking scenes as a fire engulfs a County Durham field.

The incident happened sometime this afternoon at a farm in West Auckland.

Details are currently very scarce and the cause of the incident is currently unknown.

The Northern Echo: Picture: DARREN FAIRCLOUGHPicture: DARREN FAIRCLOUGH

Videos at the scene show smoke billowing over houses and orange flames as the fire spreads across a nearby field.

The Northern Echo: Picture: DARREN FAIRCLOUGHPicture: DARREN FAIRCLOUGH

Read more: Dramatic scenes in Seaham at cliffside as emergency services attend incident

Onlookers were left in shock with many taking to social media to voice their concern.

One person said: "The aftermath of the fire. Things could have been so much worse. Kudos to our fire brigade. Praying for the farmer. Hopefully insured."

The Northern Echo has contacted County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service for more information.

We will bring you more information as we have it.

Read next: 

If you want to read more great stories, why not subscribe to your Northern Echo for as little as £1.25 a week. Click here​