SMOKE could be seen pouring out of the window of an empty high rise building as emergency services rushed to the scene as part of a realistic training exercise.

It was a sight over Middlesbrough as fire fighters and ambulance crew responded to a simulated fire at Jupiter Court building in Cargo Fleet between 10.30am and 3.30pm on Wednesday, as part of the largest scale training exercise organised by Cleveland Fire Brigade, North East Ambulance Service, Cleveland Police, Middlesbrough Council and British Red Cross. North Yorkshire, Durham and Darlington, and Tyne and Wear Fire Brigade were also on hand to evacuate 42 'live casualties', made up mostly of students from Hartlepool College, from the building. The Rapid Relief Team also set up aftercare for causalities and provided supplies.

The building, which is due to be demolished, is owned by property owners Thirteen, and due to be demolished. The exercise played out in real time, and was designed in every way to represent real life progressive incident, meaning that none of the services attending the scene were aware of any prior information on the incident.

Station manager Martin Miley, based at Stockton, said: "We've always had procedures in place in regards to high rise incidents, and that’s essential considering these buildings are common in the area. As a result of Grenfell however, testing them on an actual tower block has become more prevalent.

Mr Miley said that whilst in most high rise incidents, the fire is contained within one flat, should it spread like Grenfell, neighbouring fire brigades would be called.

"Working with them today means that they can learn our policy and procedures, and us learn their’s." said Mr Miley. "We’ll meet after the exercise to look at anything that can be improved and put those changes in place.”