Residents evacuated as large fire engulfs homes

Damage to the houses in Thornaby after the fire
Image caption,

The fire started in one property and spread to others

  • Published

Residents have been evacuated from their homes as emergency services deal with a large fire.

Cleveland Fire Brigade sent five fire engines from Thornaby, Stockton and Middlesbrough to the scene at Langley Avenue in Thornaby at 04:15 BST.

Police said they did not believe anyone was injured or trapped.

A cordon is in place and Langley Avenue and Mansfield Avenue are closed at both ends.

The fire service said the blaze started in one home and spread to three more houses.

The first property was described by the fire service as having 100% fire damage to the first floor and roof.

Other adjoining properties were described as having 80 to 100% fire damage to the roof, with water and smoke damage to the rest of the buildings.

A Cleveland Police spokesman said: "Members of the public are urged to avoid the area and nearby residents are asked to keep their windows closed to avoid smoke entering their homes."

The fire service said an investigation would take place to determine the cause of the blaze.

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