Newly released images of a suspected arson attack in County Durham show the scale of black smoke that rose from the incident before firefighters extinguished the flames.

Emergency services were called to the Integra 61 site in Bowburn, at around 9pm on Tuesday after members of the public reported seeing black plumes of smoke coming from industrial land to the west of the Amazon site.

Three fire engines were in attendance at the incident within minutes of the first reports, and the fire was extinguished at around 10.55pm.

Read more: Arson investigation launched after fire near Durham Amazon 

A County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Reports of fire in the open near Bowburn and the Amazon Centre came into control at 9.05pm on Tuesday, 12th July.

“Three fire crews attended from Spennymoor and Durham along with a water bowser.

The Northern Echo: The thick cloud of smoke rises over Bowburn, Durham on Tuesday (July 12) evening. Picture: LYNDSAY WILLIAMS The thick cloud of smoke rises over Bowburn, Durham on Tuesday (July 12) evening. Picture: LYNDSAY WILLIAMS

“Crews worked to bring the fire under control using four breathing apparatus and two hose reels, with the last fire appliance leaving at 10.58pm.”

On Wednesday (July 13) morning, Durham Police confirmed that they attended last night’s fire, and are treating the fire as an arson incident.

The Northern Echo: The flames start to dampen down. Picture: LYNDSAY WILLIAMSThe flames start to dampen down. Picture: LYNDSAY WILLIAMS

An investigation has been launched between the fire service and police, and these investigations remain ongoing.

A spokesperson for Durham Police said: "Police were called shortly before 9.30pm yesterday (July 12) to a fire at the Integra 61 site in Bowburn.

"Officers are treating the incident as arson and an investigation has been launched." 

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