Cause of fire at Eldon Arms pub in Ferryhill 'unknown'

Firefighters were called to the former Eldon Arms pub, on Eldon Terrace, Ferryhill, shortly after 4am, after a blaze broke out.

The pub, which dates back to the 1870s and was once operated by Samuel Smith’s, has been empty for some time.

Fire breaks out at former Eldon Arms pub in Ferryhill (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Images from the scene showed a major emergency response with three fire engines positioned around the cordoned-off site.

The fire service in Ferryhill (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Fire hoses could be seen stretched across the road as crews worked close to the building, while firefighters wearing protective gear tackled the blaze.

Police cars and ambulance crews were also visible at the roundabout, which was shut in all directions.

Firefighters blocking the road in Ferryhill (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Three fire engines from Spennymoor and Durham attended the incident.

Fire breaks out at former Eldon Arms pub in Ferryhill (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Police closed off the Mainsforth Road and Chilton Lane roundabout, including access to Eldon Terrace, while emergency services worked at the site.

Drivers were advised to seek alternative routes.

The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) also attended after receiving a call at 4.37am.

A fire sign blocks the road while firefighters are at the scene (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

An ambulance crew, duty officers and Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) crews were dispatched, but the service was later stood down after it was confirmed their assistance was not required.

No one was thought to be injured during the incident.

Fire breaks out at former Eldon Arms pub in Ferryhill (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

A spokesperson for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) said: “We were called at 4.03am today (January 5) to a fire at the derelict Eldon Arms Hotel in Ferryhill.

"Three fire engines attended from Spennymoor and Durham Fire Stations, along with the aerial ladder platform from Durham Fire Station.

Fire breaks out at former Eldon Arms pub in Ferryhill (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus tackled the fire using hose reels and jets.

"The cause of the fire is unknown, and we are carrying out a joint investigation with Durham police."

A spokesperson for Durham police added: "Police were called just before 4.40am today by the fire service requesting assistance at a fire at a derelict building on Eldon Terrace, in Ferryhill.

"A joint investigation with the fire service is underway to determine the cause of the fire."

Emergency services are expected to remain to conclude investigation work.