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'Explosions' as fire blazes in industrial estate

Tom MacDougall,North East and Cumbriaand
Andy Watson,in Washington
Andy Watson/BBC An explosion of orange flames rises into a billowing plume of black smoke above the steel fencing and brown brickwork of the industrial estate.Andy Watson/BBC
A fire broke out earlier at an industrial estate in Washington

A fire broke out at an industrial estate earlier, with neighbours saying they could hear explosions.

Billowing flames and smoke could be seen at Crowther industrial estate in Washington, near Sunderland.

The site is home to a campervan garage and a business which sells graduation gowns. The cause of the fire and extent of the damage is currently unknown.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service had five engines at the estate, while the ambulance service sent a Hazardous Area Response Team and clinical team leader "as a precaution".

Northumbria Police said officers had put up a cordon there.

One local resident reported hearing explosions from the fire, with another being able to see the smoke from more than six miles (10km) away.

A view from further back which shows the dark cloud drifting across the sky.
Neighbours reported hearing explosions, with the smoke visible from miles away

Onlooker Ryan Wilson said: "We were driving up the A19 when we saw the smoke, you can see it for miles - hope everyone's OK."

The fire service told residents to keep windows and doors closed.

Andy Watson/BBC Firefighters on an aerial ladder platform spraying water at the fire, which is evaporating in a cloud of white smoke, contrasting the deep black of the fire itself.Andy Watson/BBC
Five fire engines and emergency services were at the industrial estate

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