Shops and flats have been evacuated after a blaze broke out in Stockton on Sunday (September 4) afternoon.

Cleveland Fire Brigade received a call around 12:45pm on Sunday afternoon with reports of a fire at at the rear of High Newham Court, Hardwick in Stockton.

It is understood the fire broke out in a storage building to the rear of the property.

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Five fire engines were sent to the scene to deal with the blaze while the shops and flats in the building were evacuated and people told to stay away from the area.

Crews were still on the scene later in the afternoon around 4.30pm but it is understood the fire had been put out and they were dealing with smoke in the flats above.

Police were also on the scene.

The fire also affected the new Medusas pet shop next door but the owners confirmed that all of the animals were removed from the building and safe.

The Northern Echo has contacted Cleveland Police for more details.

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