An investigation has been launched after a blaze at a derelict Darlington building. 

Emergency services were called to the abandoned Valley House, on Valley Street North, after a fire took hold around 5.40pm on Tuesday. 

Pictures taken from across Darlington showed black smoke billowing from the scene as firefighters from five fire engines tried to bring the flames under control. 

Crews worked at the scene for just under nine hours to put out the blaze, with periodical checks now taking place in order to dampen any hot spots. 

Fire crews at the sceneFire crews at the scene (Image: Stuarat Boulton)

The County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) has confirmed that an investigation has been launched alongside Durham Constabulary to identify the cause of the fire.

CDDFRS Group Manager Dan Wootton said: “We were called at around 5.40pm yesterday (Tuesday) to a report of a large blaze at a premises in the Valley Street North area of Darlington.

"A total of five fire engines from Darlington, Bishop Auckland, Durham and Peterlee and an aerial ladder platform (ALP) were deployed in initial stages.

Flames were pouring from the roofFlames were pouring from the roof (Image: Stuarat Boulton)

"Crews worked through the night until 2am this morning (Wednesday) to put out the blaze and periodical checks are continuing this morning to monitor the area and damp down any hot spots.

"Drivers should be aware that there may emergency vehicles operating in the area over the course of the day.

"We continue to ask that businesses and properties in the area keep their doors and windows closed should there be any smoke in the area.

"If you have any concerns about the smoke’s impact on your health please call your GP surgery for advice, following any instructions for out of hours services, or contact the NHS 111 service - which is free from both landlines and mobiles and open 24/7.

"Drivers should be aware that there may emergency vehicles operating in the area over the course of the day.

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"We are assisting our colleagues at Durham Constabulary with an investigation into the cause of the fire.”

Durham Constabulary added: "At around 5.40pm yesterday (July 30) police were alerted to an ongoing fire in a derelict building on Valley Street, in Darlington.

"Crews from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service worked at the scene for several hours to bring the blaze under control.

"An investigation into the cause of the fire is now underway."