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AN investigation will be held to determine the cause of a fire that destroyed a flat in Hetton-le-Hole.

Four appliances and an aerial ladder platform were called to the property on Richard Street at around 6am on Friday morning.

The blaze has been brought under control but firefighters are still at the scene to damp down to make sure it doesn't flare up again.

No-one is believed to be inside the flat or the shops below.

A spokesperson for the Tyne & Wear Fire and Rescue Service said: "Firefighters from Marley Park, Farringdon and Birtley are still at the scene of a blaze at Richard Street, Hetton-Le-Hole.

"Fire crews from Rainton Bridge and Farringdon initially attended the scene of a first floor flat fire in Richard Street, Hetton-Le-Hole at 5.49am.

"The aerial ladder platform from Marley Park then attended. Further crews from Farringdon, Newcastle Central and Sunderland Central also attended the incident."

She added: "Crews are grateful to the local Greggs who provided much-needed sustenance to the hungry firefighters in the form of coffees and sandwiches to help keep them going."

An investigation to determine the cause of the blaze will be conducted.