AN arson investigation will get under way today at the site of a blaze which spread toxic fumes over large parts of the region and confined dozens of residents to their homes.

An acrid plume of smoke from the fire, at the Phoenix Sidings tyre warehouse, Stockton, was visible for miles yesterday, with residents as far as Middlesbrough city centre affected by the smell.

This morning, investigators will begin picking through the embers of the fire, which started at 9pm on Tuesday and was still being damped down last night.

At its height, 15 fire crews from across Cleveland battled to help bring the fire under control, with flames leaping as high as 50ft from the building, where a stockpile of tyres had caught fire.

People living near the burning building were warned to stay indoors, as fumes from the burning rubber left a toxic cloud hanging over hundreds of homes.

Firefighters from North Yorkshire and Durham were put on standby in case the flames spread out of control.

The blaze started in the old Burns dairy.

Divisional Officer Bob Scott said: "The building was filled from floor to ceiling with thousands of tyres, which burn extremely well.

"The fumes are very unpleasant and, although we can't tell residents to stay indoors, we have advised them to keep their windows and doors shut.

"We are investigating the cause of the blaze, but it will be very difficult to tell how it started."

The arson investigation unit was on standby to start work yesterday, but was unable to get near the building, which burned into the evening.

Officers from the unit are expected to start their inquiries today, to assess the extent of the damage and the cause of the blaze.

Adjoining buildings, including a paper mill, were also affected by the fire and Bishopton Road, between Durham Road and Bedford Street, was closed for most of yesterday.

Workers from Stockton Borough Council are expected to clean up the blaze debris today.

The council's special cleansing hit squads will clear the area and remove dangerous debris under the direction of health and environment officials.