A FIRE investigation is underway after flames tore through a fried chicken shop overnight.
Firefighters were called to a major blaze at Dixy Chicken in Sunderland which has destroyed the shop on Holmeside.
It is understood a fractured gas main continued to reignite the fire as emergency crews battled to bring it under control.
The alarm was raised at 2.42am on Thursday and Holmeside was closed in both directions from Maritime Street to Fawcett Street.
Paul Russell, group manager of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: “This was a serious fire.
"There was smoke coming through the roll of shutters through the front of the property and crews had to force their way in to fight the fire.
"It had spread to the flat above, burning through the staircase and cavities in the first floor and the roof.
“It was extremely difficult for crews because the whole building was fully smoke-logged and hazardous.”
No-one was inside the flat and the road has now reopened.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: "At 3.03am today, police were made aware of a fire at Dixy Chicken, Holmeside.
"Nobody was injured and enquiries are ongoing to determine the cause of the fire."
A spokesman for Northern Gas Networks said: “Engineers are in attendance at the scene of a fire at Holmeside, Sunderland following a request from the emergency services in the early hours of this morning.
“Our teams have been supporting the emergency services and investigations are underway.”
Anyone that smells gas or suspects carbon monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800-111-999.
This line is in operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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