A BEDROOM was severely damaged after fire broke out in a house this afternoon (Monday, February 24).

County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service were called to George Street in Langley Park, near Durham at 12.30pm.

It is thought the blaze was caused by electrical equipment.

Duty group manager Tony John said: “The call came in by mobile phone and it was to the first floor of a house.

“We entered the property and committed two breathing apparatus wearers with hose reels and a thermal imaging cameras who found a smoke fire in a back bedroom.

“It is fortunate that no people were involved in this fire. I would recommend that all properties are fitted with smoke alarms.”

Smoke alarms were fitted to the property by the fire safety team.

For a free fire safety visit and smoke alarms to be fitted call 0845-223-4221.