The cause of an 'underground explosion' in Durham City has been revealed after witnesses reported seeing flames shooting out the pavement and police put a cordon in place.
Emergency services were called shortly after 12.30pm today (May 24) to an area of North Road, close to Framwellgate Bridge.
Witnesses reported seeing flames coming from an underground explosion, which damaged part of the pavement.
No one was injured during the incident.
Police attended and closed a small section of the street to shoppers while colleagues from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue made the area safe.
Police and fire crews have now stood down and the cordon has been lifted.
A County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) spokesperson said: “We were called at 12.34pm today (May 24) to reports of a small explosion under the pavement on North Road in Durham city centre.
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“Crews from Durham Fire Station are currently at the scene and cordoned off the area until the gas and electric board arrive.”
Following the incident, police and the fire service have confirmed the cause of the incident - believing it to be an electrical issue.
A spokesperson for Durham Police added: "The cause of the fire appears to have been an electrical issue and is being assessed by a team from NEDL."
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