POLICE are investigating a fire which destroyed 15 heavy goods vehicles early yesterday.

The Tyne and Wear Fire Brigade sent 14 appliances to fight the blaze, at Ryder Truck Rentals, on the Portobello Industrial Estate, Birtley, at 2am.

Using six water jets, the firefighters extinguished the blaze and prevented damage to a nearby building.

A fire brigade spokesman said: "This was a hazardous incident for the crews, who had to deal with running fuel fires and exploding vehicle tyres, but no one was injured."

Brigade investigation officers and Northumbria Police were investigating the cause last night