Explosions heard at large garage fire

Firefighters from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue service remain at the scene of a large fire in West Boldon.

The fire brigade were joined by police and ambulances after the blaze broke out at a garage on Gateshead Terrace at around 8:20pm on Sunday 5 May.

At it's height, there were more than 40 firefighters tackling the large fire.

People living in the surrounding area say they could hear a number of explosions as flames took hold of the building, before spreading to neighbouring buildings. Explosions were still being heard nearly an hour after the first.

It is believed the garage is used for the storage of gas cylinders.

Police set up a cordon about 100 metres from the garage to keep people away from the scene.

Several neighbouring homes and the Red Lion Inn were evacuated as crews tackled the blaze. Thick black smoke filled the village.

People who live and work in the surrounding area are being advised to keep all windows and doors.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service say nobody is believed to have been injured in the fire.

On Monday morning, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service tweeted to say that they had scaled down their operation at the fire to two appliances.

Pictures taken on Monday morning reveal the extent of the damage to the building. The roof has collapsed and the interior has been completely gutted.

Charred window frames and brickwork show how flames spread to neighbouring houses on the street. The damage is extensive.