Firefighters are tackling a huge fire in Gateshead this evening.
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) confirmed that since 6.57pm they had received a number of reports about a fire near Stargate roundabout in Ryton.
Four appliances were despatched to tackle the blaze, however the source of the fire had not yet been identified.
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Black smoke could be seen for miles as the fire broke out on Thursday evening. One resident living in Burnopfield, County Durham, said they witnessed a huge plume of smoke rising into the air, which they described as "like an explosion".
Footage from the scene shows flames and smoke rising close to the A695 road. The fire appears to be close to the Jewson site.
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