One person has been taken to hospital after a fire devastated a home and spread to two neighbouring properties.

Emergency crews were called to Billingham at around 8pm on Monday (May 29) evening to a house fire on Thornley Avenue.

Police closed off the road and five fire engines attended the scene. Smoke could be seen coming from the home which has been left devastated by the blaze.

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Crews used four jet hoses and breathing apparatus to tackle the inferno.

The Northern Echo: Police cordoned off the street.Police cordoned off the street. (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

One person was taken to hospital having suffered from smoke inhalation. "Luckily", no one was seriously injured.

The blaze also spread to two neighbouring properties, while the home where it began was left totally fire damaged on the ground floor, and smoke damaged throughout.

A Cleveland Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “We were called on Monday at 8.03pm to an incident on Thornley Avenue.

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The Northern Echo: Extensive damage was caused by the fireExtensive damage was caused by the fire (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

“Five fire engines attended from Stockton, Billingham, Hartlepool and Saltburn.

"The house fire spread to two adjacent properties. The first floor of house was 100% fire damaged, and the ground floor suffered fire damage to ceiling. The remainder of property was 100% smoke damaged.

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“In the adjacent properties the loft bedroom was 5% fire damaged and 100% smoke damage. We used six breathing apparatus and four jets. One casualty taken to hospital with smoke inhalation.

"We left the scene at 22.05. Investigations taking place as per our usual procedure.”

Police were also called to the scene but confirmed the fire brigade were leading enquiries.