PLUMES of smoke billowing from the back garden of a Darlington house have alarmed residents and scrambled emergency services to the scene.

Two fire engines and two police cars are currently stationed outside the property on Shakespeare Road, in the Skerne Park area of the town.

The Northern Echo:

Dozens of residents have watched the incident unfold. Picture: DANI WALKER

Firefighters from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service were called to beat back the blaze at around 5.15pm before Darlington Police were also called to the scene.

No one is believed to have been injured in the incident that reportedly started to the rear of the semi-detached house.

One witness said: “I think someone has set fire to the back garden. There was loads of smoke.”

Another added: “I don't know what has happened but we just saw the smoke and came out to have a look.”

A CDDFRS fire investigator is assessing the scene.