A SHOP selling mobility aids has been extensively damaged by fire.
Police remain outside the premises of Tonik Mobility in Medomsley Road, Consett this morning and a back street behind the business has been cordoned off.
A solicitors firm above the mobility aids shop also appears to have been damaged by smoke.
Four fire crews and an aerial ladder platform were called to tackle the blaze on Thursday night.
The cause of the fire, which started inside the rear of the terraced building, will be subject to a full investigation.
The alarm was raised at 6.47pm on Thursday and crews from Consett, Durham and High Handenhold responded together with the aerial platform from Darlington.
Watch Manager Damian Brennan of County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, said that was some concern over the presence of mobilty scooter batteries being stored in the family-run store.
However, he said they were quickly able to identify where they were, which was fortunately away from the main seat of the fire.
Part of Medomsley Road was closed off and staff from the neighbouring Bargain Booze off licence were evacuated as a precaution.
The fire was extinguished using hose reels and breathing apparatus.
The crews left the scene at 10.30pm but firefighters were returning to carry out checks.
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