Firefighters from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) are battling an ongoing farm fire, and have advised members of the public to stay clear of the area. 

The fire, at a Farm in High Spen, Rowlands Gill, started in the early hours of the morning. 

A stack of rubbish, tyres and other materials had caught fire, but no one is believed to be injured. 

The fire service confirmed that the incident is being treated as arson by the police. 

A Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service Spokesperson said "We can confirm we are currently in attendance of a fire on a farm in High Spen, Rowlands Gill.

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"Our fire control received a call at 3.34 am this morning about a stack of tires, rubbish and other materials that had caught fire.

"Four appliances from across the service area and one from Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene, the first being there in a matter of minutes.

"No one is believed to be injured but our firefighters remain at the scene to ensure the fire is fully extinguished.

"We are working with Northumbria Police to establish the circumstances around the incident but at this time police are treating the incident as arson."