A Darlington shop severely damaged by fire will remain closed until further notice, its owners have confirmed.

One property was completely gutted by the blaze on Gladstone Street, which happened last night.

The front of the neighbouring Bismillah Cash & Carry was also badly burned - but thankfully nobody was hurt.

Firefighters from County Durham Fire and Rescue Service were at the scene overnight battling the flames.

This morning there were multiple Northern Powergrid vans outside the shops, a van from the Northern Gas Network and a police car. 

Gas engineers could be seen working on digging up the road outside the properties.

Police tape was stretched across the street's junction with Thornton Street and the road was closed to traffic in both directions.

(Image: Northern Echo)

The ground floor of the property which sustained the most damage, SV Market, appears to have been completely destroyed and the exterior of the first floor was badly blackened by the flames.

(Image: Northern Echo)

A statement to customers from next door Bismillah said: "As you know earlier this morning we had some bad news that Bismillah caught fire from outside but we are all fine and safe. 

"Unfortunately, due to this we will remain closed until further notice.

"We will continue to update. Thank you for the support as always."

(Image: Northern Echo)

Councillors for Northgate Sajna Ali and Sonia Kane released a statement expressing their thanks to the firefighters for their efforts in the early hours of the morning.

They said: "Gladstone Street, in Darlington, has been closed following a fire in the early hours of this morning.

(Image: Northern Echo)

"The road has been closed in both directions and at the junction of Thornton Street. We thank our emergency services from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service for all their work at the scene.

"Please avoid the area and find an alternative route."

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A Darlington Police spokesperson said this morning: "Gladstone Street, in Darlington, has been closed following a fire.

"The road has been closed in both directions at the junction of Thornton Street while crews from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service work at the scene.

"Please avoid the area and find an alternative route."

The Northern Echo has asked both police and the fire and rescue service for further information.