Drone images of fire at The Old Brickworks, Stanley

Since Thursday (May 14), firefighters have been battling flames and smoke at The Old Brickworks on Tanfield Lea Industrial Estate.

Andrei Lespezeanu (Image: Andrei Lespezeanu) Firefighters have worked to dampen down the flames and are monitoring the blaze, while police investigate.

In a brief update on Saturday (May 17), emergency services confirmed they will remain at the scene in the coming days.

A spokesperson for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service sad: "The fire is fully extinguished now. 

"However, there is still some smoke being given off due to the temperatures, therefore, fire and rescue will continue to remain on scene and assist the owners with breaking up the remaining fire debris and cooling it to reduce the smoke levels as much as possible." 

Durham Police previously said the fire is being treated as suspicious, with drone images taken on Friday (May 16) afternoon showing smoke and fire damage.

The aftermath of the fire at The Old Brickworks, Stanley (Image: Andrei Lespezeanu) The shots, taken by Andrei Lespezeanu, show fire engines stationed at the scene and smoke filling the air.

In other images, several other buildings have been destroyed by the flames, and charred parts of concrete can be seen piled up.

Smoke billowing from The Old Brickworks, Stanley (Image: Andrei Lespezeanu) Previously,  County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) group manager Dan Wootton said: “We were called at 2.43am this morning (Thursday), to a report of a large fire at The Old Brickworks on Tanfield Lea Industrial Estate, Stanley.

“Four fire engines and the bulk water tanker are at the scene, and crews have been working through the night to tackle the fire.

“We expect to be in the area for some time.

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“We ask that businesses and properties in the area keep their doors and windows closed due to the level of smoke and ask people to avoid the area if possible.”

Durham Police added: "We were called at 3am today by the fire service to assist with a large fire at The Old Brickworks, on Tanfield Lea Industrial Estate, Stanley. 

"The incident is being treated as suspicious, and fire crews and police are expected to remain on scene for some time."