Fire crews work into the night to tackle blaze

A large fire broke out at a derelict building in Darlington

Fire crews worked into the night to tackle a large blaze at a derelict building.

County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) was called to the fire at a premises in the Valley Street North area of Darlington on Tuesday evening.

Crews worked until 02:00 BST to put out the fire, which saw plumes of smoke billow across part of the town.

Durham Police said it was investigating the cause of the fire.

Periodic checks continued through the morning to monitor the area and damp down any hot spots, CDDFRS said.

Residents were advised to keep their doors and windows closed because of the smoke

CDDFRS group manager Dan Wootton said crews were called at about 17:40 BST on Tuesday to a report of a "large blaze".

"A total of five fire engines from Darlington, Bishop Auckland, Durham and Peterlee and an aerial ladder platform (ALP) were deployed in initial stages," he said.

Drivers were warned that emergency vehicles may be operating in the area over the course of the day.

Crews worked at the scene for several hours to bring the blaze under control

CDDFRS also asked businesses and properties in the area to keep their doors and windows closed, "should there be any smoke in the area".

Mr Wootton added: "If you have any concerns about the smoke’s impact on your health please call your GP surgery for advice, following any instructions for out of hours services, or contact the NHS 111 service - which is free from both landlines and mobiles and open 24/7."