Fire breaks out at historic cliffside lift

Firefighters are attempting to extinguish a fire at Saltburn Cliff Lift

A fire has broken out at a historic cliffside lift.

Firefighters from Cleveland Fire and Rescue Service are tackling the fire at Saltburn Cliff Lift in Saltburn-by-the-Sea.

Smoke can be seen coming from the railway's building at the base of the cliff while the carriages remain at a standstill halfway up the cliff.

The fire service has warned the public to avoid the area and has sent three fire engines to the scene.

Witness Paul Waugh, 60, from Brotton, said: "When I saw all the smoke it was so thick.

"I felt sad because it’s a great attraction and just another setback for the lift."

Cleveland Fire and Rescue Service firefighters urged people to avoid the area

Three fire engines are at the scene

Cleveland Fire Service confirmed that four breathing apparatus were in use at the scene.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council confirmed that staff spotted smoke coming from the tramway when they opened the station at about 10:30 GMT.

No one was injured in the fire but the promenade has been closed.

Saltburn Cliff Lift is the oldest water-balanced funicular in the UK and the second oldest in the world.

The lift operates on a tramway connecting the pier to the old town, allowing people to avoid climbing the 173 steps up the cliff.

The lift has been closed since 9 January for annual maintenance.

Smoke was seen coming from the railway's building at the base of the cliff