Birtley fire: Nine fire engines tackle 'large' blaze - 'Evolving situation'

Tyne & Wear Fire and Rescue Service responded to reports of the blaze in the Durham Road area. They have urged residents to keep windows and doors shut.

Northumbria Police Road Safety took to social media to warn drivers of the many diversions in place due to the fire.

They wrote on Twitter to their seven thousand followers: “Large fire on the A167 Birtley is closed. 

“This impacts on the A1 diversion southbound at the Angel of the North. 

“The diversion is back north to the A184 through Gateshead ,A19 south.

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“An evolving situation, Officers are located at key points to assist with the diversion.”

The cause of the fire is not yet known.

A spokesperson for the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said: “We currently have nine fire engines and an aerial ladder platform in attendance at a building fire on Durham Road in Birtley.

“Please keep all windows and doors shut if you live in the area #staysafe.”

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Bus services have also been affected.

Go North East tweeted: “Due to an incident at Birtley, Service 21 is currently unable to service stops at Birtley and Barley Mow.”

Passengers were instead advised to catch a bus from Northlands Roundabout, Picktree and Portabello in both directions.

Northumbria Police Road Safety tweeted: “Large fire on the A167 Birtley is closed. 

“This impacts on the A1 diversion southbound at the Angel of the North.”

Police said the situation was “evolving” and “officers are located at key points to assist with the diversion”.