Explosions from the car that had been set on fire in Ingleton, Teesdale, in the early hours of this morning left residents shocked.

The fire woke householders just after midnight when a vehicle, believed to be a Renault Clio, was set alight.

Emergency services were called to the scene with firefighters tackling the flames until just after 1am.

It is not yet known what caused the fire.

A map of the area showing Gainford to the south and Ingleton to the north. Picture: GOOGLE

Resident, Liz Ormandy, 75, said she was woken by loud explosions and a bang just after midnight.

She said: "There were loud explosions then a series of small explosions and a bang.

"The police were here very quickly followed by the fire brigade and within half-an-hour it was all over.

"Nothing like this has ever happened before."

Another resident, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: "I had just gone to bed and heard a bang so I went to the front window and it was just ablaze.

"I could not see anyone there but it's just so unbelievable - if it has been parked under the tree it could have been worse."

The burnt out car was still at the scene, on the main road thought the village, this morning and pieces of broken glass littered the pavement while the bonnet was propped up against a wall.

Video: Emma Birch

The incident follows a suspected burglary at the Corner Shop in the neighbouring village of Gainford at about the same time, although police have yet to confirm whether the two incidents are linked.

Durham Police have issued a statement.

A spokesman said: "Police were called to a vehicle fire in Ingleton at about 12.15am this morning.

"County Durham & Darlington Fire & Rescue service also attended the scene, and the vehicle – a Renault Clio – was extinguished shortly after 1am. There were no injuries.

"Reports that the vehicle fire may be linked to a nearby burglary in Gainford are unconfirmed, however inquiries are ongoing.