Firefighters are tackling a van fire on the A693 in Stanley with thick black smoke seen billowing over the town.

A silver transit-style van went up in flames on the A-road near McDonalds shortly before 4.40pm today (Thursday, October 31).

Pictures show the front end of the van engulfed in flames with dark smoke seen rising high into the sky.

Fire crews rushed to the scene, where they remain at the time of publication.

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Motorists reported queues as traffic attempted to pass the van safely.

A fire service spokesperson said: “We received the call at 4.38pm, we are still in attendance at the moment. It was a van that is on fire near to the McDonalds.”

Durham Police said they are at the scene assisting with traffic control.