An arson investigation has been launched after fire swept through a North-East coachworks.
The fire brigade was called to Hogarth Coachworks on the Durham Road Trading Estate in Birtley, Gateshead, at 10.30pm on Sunday.
It took 60 firefighters 90 minutes to bring the blaze under control.
Sub-officer Ronnie Rowe, of Birtley fire station, said they had to break in through the shutters to gain access to the building..
He said: "The biggest danger was the acetylene cylinders, which are obviously used for the repair of the vehicles.
"When they come into contact with heat they can be very volatile and at risk of exploding."
Three coaches, a lorry and a recovery vehicle were destroyed and the single-storey brick building was severely damaged. Another 25 vehicles were damaged by smoke.
Police are treating the fire as suspected arson and an investigation has been launched.
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