A major supermarket has confirmed that it will not be able to reopen until August after a blaze ripped through a North East store last Sunday (May 28).

Fire crews descended on Iceland in Stanley shortly after 6 pm last Sunday, following reports of a fire in the building.

But despite a quick response from the County Durham Fire and Rescue Service, damage sustained by the store will take months to repair, meaning the store will remain closed until late summer at the earliest.

The store, located on Stanley’s Scott Street, will stay closed until the middle of August, to allow for repairs to take place. However, staff from the Stanley store are set to be redistributed to neighbouring locations, whilst reconstruction is underway.

Read more: Firefighters tackle blaze at Iceland supermarket in Stanley

A spokesperson for the store chain said: “Due to the extensive damage caused by the fire on Sunday the store will remain closed until the middle of August whilst repairs take place. Unfortunately, this is only an estimate and could take longer, however, we will be sure to update you with a confirmed date closer to the time.

“All of our team are being placed into surrounding stores whilst work is carried out.

“Our online operation is still running out of a nearby store so you can still place your orders and if you wish to do your shopping yourself then please head to Consett or Chester-Le-St.

Read more: Whickham Street flats, Sunderland, to be demolished

“Thank you for your support in this terrible situation and we hope to see you all very soon!”

In a post on its Facebook page on May 29, Iceland Stanley said: “Please note due to fire/smoke/water damage caused last night Iceland Stanley will be closed until further notice. We apologise for the inconvenience.

“Likewise, our car boot sale due to take place this Saturday (June 3) will be postponed.

“We will update you all when we have further information.”

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A spokesperson for the County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service said: “We received the call shortly after 6 pm to reports of a fire in the building.

“We attended within 10 minutes and we had four appliances from Consett and High Handenhold, along with Durham stations and two ladder platforms at the scene.

“We were there for four hours and left the scene at 10 pm. We are doing a joint investigation with the police to try and establish the cause.”