A large fire has broken out at a North East garage as residents living nearby have been urged to avoid the area.
The Tyne & Wear Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed it has been dealing with a vehicle fire inside a garage at South Shields.
At around 12.15pm on Thursday, the fire service said seven appliances were in attendance in order to bring the fire under control.
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In a brief statement, it added: "Please avoid the area if you can and keep your windows and doors closed due to the smoke."
First pictures released from the scene showed billowing smoke from the area as teams of firefighters tackled the fire.
In an update this afternoon, the fire service said that crews had been on the scene in six minutes after the fire was reported.
They added: "A huge well done to our crews and Fire Control for this commercial garage fire.
"Thanks to their quick actions, our first appliance was on scene in just six minutes.
"We remain on scene and would still ask you to keep your doors and windows shut if you live or work nearby."
According to the fire service, a number of road closures were in place, which saw Northumbria Police called to assist.
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