A CLASSIC car, thought to be an E-type Jaguar, was badly damaged after fire spread from a scrapyard to a neighbouring car body repair shop.

It was one of several being stored at a garage at Morrison Industrial Estate North, at Annfield Plain, near Stanley, in County Durham.

Firefighters were called after the blaze at a breaker’s yard next door at 7am on Sunday morning destroyed 15 cars.

Four fire engines from Consett, High Handenhold and Durham were called to the scene.

Watch manager Damian Brennan: “The lock-up in the adjacent property was breached by the fire. One of the classic cars was damaged. There were in the process of restoring it.” 

A joint police and fire investigation is underway. Anyone with information can call 101.