Fire crews tackle waste recycling plant blaze

Crews were called to the waste management site in Washington in the early hours

Firefighters have been tackling a blaze at a waste recycling plant in Sunderland.

Crews received a report of a building on fire on Pattinson Road, Monument Park in Washington just before 04:00 BST, the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said.

Residents were told to keep their windows and doors closed, amid large plumes of smoke.

The fire service said it was "scaling back" the operation, adding that no-one was involved and there were no injuries.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue said crews would remain at the scene until investigations were complete

At the height of the fire, five appliances including an aerial ladder platform were on site with a total of 38 fire fighters and three officers called to the area.

The fire service said crews would remain at the scene until they were satisfied the fire was fully extinguished.

Investigations have begun into what caused the blaze.