It is expected residents of a Gateshead tower block could be out of their homes for up to a week.

Eslington Court in Dunston was evacuated on Wednesday afternoon when a burst pipe on the 10th floor caused significant water damage.

Power had to be disconnected to all properties as a result.

Those affected have been offered hotel accommodation.

Gateshead Housing Company said: "We continue to offer support and assistance to all affected residents and will do so throughout the time they are displaced from their homes."

Image source, Google

A fire in a bin lorry might have been caused by batteries thrown out with household rubbish, Gateshead Council has said.

The crew had to empty the load of rubbish beside the Western Bypass earlier when smoke was spotted coming from the vehicle on the A1 between the Metro Centre and Dunston.

Two lanes had to be closed while the fire was put out.

It is the third fire in recent weeks thought to have been caused by a cast out battery or battery-powered device.

Last month, the Campground recycling centre in Wrekenton was closed by a serious fire.

A fortnight later a similar fire broke out at the Middlefields Recycling Village in South Shields.

Gateshead Council is asking people not to discard spent batteries in the bin but to recycle them safely.

Image source, Getty Images

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Local Democracy Reporting Service
Herbert Soden

Residents have been evacuated from an apartment complex in Gateshead because of flooding.

Gateshead Housing Company posted on social media about flooding at Eslington Court, in Dunston.

It said everyone had been evacuated safely and rest centres had been set up

In a statement it said: "Due to lack of water and power supply, residents can not yet return home.

"Rest centres and transport have been set up. At the rest centres, we will offer hotel accommodation to everyone who needs it."

“Our priority is the safety of our residents, and we are pleased to say they have all been evacuated safely, in line with public health Covid guidelines.”

Image source, Gateshead council

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