EMERGENCY services were called out to a suspected arson at a recycling plant in Peterlee on Friday evening. 

County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service said firefighters were called to a fire at a recycling plant on Thornley Station Industrial Estate, in Shotton Colliery, at 7.15pm on Friday, March 20, where 150 tonnes of baled paper was alight.

Appliances from Peterlee and Wheatley Hill attended, as well as a water bowser. Three jets and a hose reel were used to extinguish the fire, with firefighters using four breathing apparatus.

Durham Police have said the fire is being treated as arson and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is underway.

If anyone has any information contact Durham Constabulary on 101.