A CHIMNEY that collapsed into a Darlington street caused problems for motorists in the town centre.

Emergency services were called to the scene on Victoria Road, close to its junctions with Clifton Road and Park Place, shortly before 2.30pm on Thursday afternoon.

Two crews from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) attended the site of the collapse from a roof above The Hot Plate takeaway and a private property.

The Northern Echo:

The scene of the incident

Firefighters using a CDDFRS hydraulic aerial ladder platform appliance cleared bricks from the area before they were stacked on the pavement which was cordoned off to pedestrians.

Darlington Police restricted access to Victoria Road via the Feethams and A167 roundabout before the area was secured and fully reopened at around 2.50pm.