THE scene of a huge fire which left plumes of smoke visible for miles is now being investigated.

The Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed an investigation is now underway to determine the cause of the fire in Sunderland.

At around 11am on Monday, the emergency services were called to the blaze as it gripped a scrapyard on Hendon Street in the Hendon area of the city.

Read more: Huge fire breaks out in Hendon in Sunderland - emergency services on scene

Dozens of passers-by and residents posted pictures on social media as the blaze sent huge plumes of smoke into the sky, visible from neighbouring areas.

The Northern Echo: The scene from Sunderland city centre Picture: ROSS LAINGThe scene from Sunderland city centre Picture: ROSS LAING

Last night, the fire service confirmed it would remain on the scene until the early hours of the morning as it said the fire was ongoing.

But in an update this afternoon, the fire service confirmed it had stood down its teams at around 3.34am.

A Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “We can confirm that the fire at Hendon Street in Sunderland has been extinguished.

"TWFRS crews were in attendance of the site through the night to dampen down the area and monitor the temperature of the materials that were the focus of the fire.

“The cause of the fire is currently being investigated. We are working with the owners and our community partners to gather as much information as possible regarding the incident. The final crew left the scene at 03:34am.”

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