Dramatic pictures have revealed the charred aftermath of an industrial estate blaze that sent plumes of black smoke billowing into the sky.
Firefighters were called to Usworth Road in Hartlepool on Monday afternoon (August 4) after a fire broke out just before 3pm.
The road was closed by police as fire crews worked at the scene - although Cleveland Police confirmed that no injuries had been reported.
Now, pictures taken from the aftermath show the burnt remains of a large van beside blackened shipping containers, which firefighters are still hosing down.
A building on the industrial estate also appears to have been damaged by the fire.
Cleveland Fire Brigade confirmed it sent ten fire engines to the scene, and urged nearby residents to keep doors and windows closed.
The cause of the fire - and the extent of the damage - is not yet known.
A spokesperson said: "We are currently dealing with a large fire on Usworth Road in Hartlepool.
"There are a number of fire engines at the scene, and our crews are working hard to bring the incident under control.
"We advise people to avoid the area, and if you are a local resident or business, please keep windows and doors closed."
A police spokesperson added: "Officers are currently at the scene of a building fire on Jutland Road/Ormesby Road in Hartlepool.
"The roads are currently closed whilst emergency services deal with the incident. There are no injuries reported.
"Thank you for your patience."
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